Episodes

Sep 16

This series finale literally has everything: a sweeping historical narrative, a textual thread that binds the Exodus to Sinai and beyond, and a gobsmacking conclusion to the question: what am I meant to feel when I hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah? You can find the textual chart referenced in this episode by clicking here . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Sep 9

In our quest to discover the meaning behind the shofar blast, we continue to mine the Exodus story for a deeper meaning behind God's empathy, and why it was so important to communicate that message to Moses, to the enslaved Israelites, and to Pharoah himself. To watch the course on the Three Lies of the Exodus mentioned in the episode, you can watch it on the Aleph Beta site here: https://members.alephbeta.org/playlist/moses-exodus-miracles Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Sep 2

To get to the bottom of the shofar's secret, we need to travel back to the Exodus story. Looking closely, we can see that Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was more than just a long job negotiation. God was trying to convey something extremely important. So important, in fact, that He encoded it into His own name. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Aug 26

You sit in shul. The shofar blows. What do you feel? You may not want to admit it, but for many of us the answer is: nothing. For a long time, that’s how Imu felt also. Until a chance observation, one historic Erev Rosh Hashana, sparked a conversation with Rabbi David Fohrman that would change everything. Come along on this deep dive through the Torah, revealing a hidden story from the Burning Bush to Mount Sinai to the walls of Jericho—that will finally make the shofar blast truly meaningful. In this first episode of the new season, we begin that journey of discovery with a first look at the origins of the shofar in the Torah text. For the Rosh Hashana course Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discuss in this episode, click here . We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jul 27

Come spend Tisha B'Av with us! We’re going to be having a live online event in the afternoon. It’s a chance to join hundreds of Jews from around the world to learn together, connect and make this day about community instead of being alone. Click here to learn more. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jul 1

After thoroughly dissecting every verse of Shir HaMaalot, the season finale attempts to put all the pieces back together. The first three verses were about moving from dreams to true joy; the second three were about Joseph and Jacob's saga. Could both of these themes somehow be related? Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jun 24

Do you really know what Joseph's dream of the wheat sheaves was about? We'll bet you missed something big. And perhaps, so did Joseph. See how the ambiguity of the dream presents Joseph with a choice: am I destined for power, or for benevolence? Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jun 17

The beginning and end of Shir HaMaalot discuss dreams and sheaves of wheat. Where have we heard this before? Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore the clear parallels between this chapter or tehillim and Joseph - a dreamer and a captive. They discuss Joseph's outpouring of tears, compared to Jacob's persistent weeping, and offer a consoling message that the tears we spill for those we mourn may not be in vain. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jun 10

This season's focus is on Tehilim (Psalm) 126, otherwise known as Shir HaMaalot. You know, the one that Jews sing before bensching on Shabbat and festivals. This short but powerful poem tells us that when the redemption comes we will be "like dreamers." But is this a good thing? What if our dream state prevents us from coming to terms with the actual redemption? And if so, how do we "wake up"? Listen to this entertaining but groundbreaking investigation of a familiar text. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 27

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey In the season finale, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore the final commandment— “Thou shalt not covet” —through the emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau. As they unpack the psychological wounds left by their father’s perceived favoritism, a deeper truth emerges: healing comes not from acquiring more, but from seeing the divine in one another. Through a close reading of the text, they reveal how these once-bitter rivals move beyond envy, offering a profound lesson on finding wholeness in our relationships. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 25

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey What drives someone to steal? And why does the Bible warn so strongly against false testimony? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu Shalev examine how the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Lavan provides surprising insight into the psychology behind the 8th and 9th commandments. From Rachel's theft of her father's idols to Lavan's self-righteous covenant at Gal'ed, this episode reveals how our deepest pains can lead to actions that ultimately cannot heal us, and how the Ten Commandments offer wisdom rather than mere prohibition. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 20

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Continuing their journey through the Ten Commandments, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu examine murder and adultery through the lens of the Genesis Deception story. They unpack why Esau—usually painted as the bad guy—holds back from killing Jacob even when he knows exactly where to find him, giving us a fresh take on "Do not murder." Then they explore how Laban's meddling in Jacob's marriage to Rachel offers a surprising spin on adultery—showing it's not just about infidelity, but about the damage caused when someone interferes in sacred relationships. Through their analysis, a profound message emerges: the commandments aren't simply rules, but wisdom about how our actions affect our deepest connections and desires. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 13

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Continuing their analysis of the Ten Commandments through Genesis 27, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu focus on two pivotal commands: Shabbat and honoring one's parents. They begin by uncovering surprising connections between Rebecca's plea for Jacob's safety and the concept of divine rest. How does Jacob's exhausting fourteen-year labor under Lavan transform our understanding of Shabbat? And what can this teach us about finding true rest in our own lives? The discussion then turns to the command of Kibbud Av v'Em - honoring both father and mother. Through a close reading of Esav's response to his parents' values, even after feeling betrayed, they reveal how this command speaks to something far deeper than mere obedience. It points to the delicate art of maintaining wholeness in relationships, ultimately connecting to our relationship with the land itself. Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they demonstrate how these two commands emerge not as arbitrary rules, but as profound wisdom about maintaining balance in our most fundamental relationships - with time, with family, and with the earth that sustains us. Intrigued by our discussion of land as our grandparents? Explore this idea further in our Shavuot episode of Into the Verse . For a deeper dive, we recommend Rabbi Fohrman's courses A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH and The Meaning of Life , as well as his analysis of the deception story in this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 6

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Picking up from last week's cliffhanger, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu tackle an uncomfortable and paradoxical question: How can a perfect being—God—choose vulnerability? This unsettling concept seems to be at the heart of the parallels they uncover between Genesis 27 and the Revelation narrative. By analyzing the blast of the shofar at Sinai alongside Esav’s anguished cry, they explore what it means for God, the perfect being, to open Himself to vulnerability. This paradox leads them to a deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments and their articulation. Through this reflection, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu reveal how God’s first commandments speak to profound truths about divine love, family dynamics, and the nature of idolatry. What does Jacob’s invocation of God’s name reveal about the third commandment? And how might Isaac’s relationship with his sons offer insights into our own connection with the divine? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they unpack these questions and show how the Torah’s most foundational laws emerge from one of its most complex family dramas. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 5

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey We’re so grateful you’ve been listening to A Book Like No Other . Now, we’d love to hear from you ! Podcasts can feel one-sided — we talk, you listen. But your voice matters. Please take 3–5 minutes to fill out this quick listener survey and help shape the future of the show. 👉 Take the survey here : https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Your feedback is invaluable and will help us grow this show and build our community together. Thank you! Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Apr 29

What if the Torah provides its own commentary on its most pivotal moments? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu continue uncovering a striking web of connections between Jacob’s deception in Genesis 27 and the Revelation at Sinai in Exodus 19. As they explore these interwoven parallels, they reveal a profound shift in roles—Father becoming Son, Son becoming Father—and examine how God’s choice to reveal Himself through cloud and sound echoes Jacob’s own veiled encounter with Isaac. But these parallels aren’t just literary—they hold deep theological stakes. If Jacob’s disguise at the moment of blessing teaches us something about hidden identities, what does that mean for how we perceive God at Sinai? And by embracing our own limitations, could we, like Yitzchak, learn to truly listen? Check out the scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind that Rabbi Fohrman referenced in this episode: Watch here . For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Apr 22

What if one of the Torah's most troubling stories - Jacob deceiving his father to get a blessing - is actually the key to understanding why God chose the Jewish people? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu make a surprising discovery: the story of Mount Sinai mirrors Jacob's deception in unexpected ways. But rather than just repeating a tale of favoritism, God transforms it into something beautiful: a story about being chosen not for power, but to bring blessing to all nations. Ready to see the Torah in a whole new light? For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Apr 22

At the heart of Judaism's chosenness lies an unexpected twist that few have noticed. Rabbi Fohrman stumbles upon a shocking connection between two of the Bible's most pivotal moments - one that completely transforms our understanding of what it means to be chosen. This discovery not only challenges centuries of religious interpretation but might just change how you see your own relationship with God. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Mar 9

In this final episode of the season, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore how Esther's narrative offers a redeemed perspective on Adam and Eve's story. Delving into Esther's courageous moments before King Achashverosh, Rabbi Fohrman highlights her heroism while challenging the simplistic view of Esther as merely a master manipulator. Instead, Rabbi Fohrman suggests a deeper understanding of Esther's character—one that transcends conventional morality grounded in objectivity and power. As they reflect on these insights, the conversation prompts a profound question: Could our true moral compass be rooted in our most intimate impulse—the impulse to love? A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Mar 4

Rabbi Fohrman shares a dizzying discovery: a competing Tree of Knowledge story in the Megillah. But instead of replacing the first cast of characters, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu analyze how this discovery adds another layer of meaning embedded in the Megillah. Esther, in particular, moves into the forefront, and Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discuss how her actions can be understood as a redemption of the Garden of Eden. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Feb 25

Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discover that it’s not only Haman who has a counterpart in Eden. There’s a whole list of characters from Megillat Esther who are playing out a version of the Tree of Knowledge story. But what is the Megillah trying to tell us by taking this story from the beginning of Genesis and replaying it here at the end of Tanach? It’s not just about Haman’s being a supervillain. There’s something for all of us to learn here about what happens when humans try to play God. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Feb 18

Note for Premium Members: This episode is part of our free release of "A Book Like No Other." If you're a premium subscriber, you already have access to this content in your premium feed. Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore parallels between Megillat Esther and the Garden of Eden, beginning from the hint in the Midrash that links Haman to the Tree of Knowledge. The familiar characters from these well-known stories suddenly appear in a new light, as Haman becomes even more villainous, and Adam’s defiance becomes even more shocking. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. New to A Book Like No Other? Welcome! This is our first-ever free release of this premium series. If you enjoy this episode, become an Aleph Beta member to access our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, including future episodes of this season. Visit alephbeta.org to join. Premium members: Already enjoying this series? Make sure you're logged in to access upcoming episodes through your private RSS feed. Need help? Email info@alephbeta.org . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Feb 11

Note for Premium Members: This episode is part of our free release of "A Book Like No Other." If you're a premium subscriber, you already have access to this content in your premium feed. The Book of Esther has no Divine instructions, no prophecies, no outright miracles. God doesn't even get mentioned. We all love hearing how Mordechai and Esther saved their people in a time of crisis – but does this story have any moral message for us? As we're listening to the Megillah on Purim, what can we learn about coming close to God in our everyday lives? Join Imu Shalev and Rabbi David Fohrman as they dive deeply into Megillat Esther to find an answer to this question. They start off with a very odd set of comments from our sages, claiming that there were angels at work in the Esther story. The Megillah doesn't say anything about angels, so what on earth made the rabbis think that? Rabbi Fohrman teases the possibility that these strange angel stories are all pointing to a link between Esther, a narrative from the end of Tanach, and another story all the way back in Genesis. If we explore that connection, we may eventually find the key to the Megillah's moral message. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. New to A Book Like No Other? Welcome! This is our first-ever free release of this premium series. If you enjoy this episode, become an Aleph Beta member to access our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, including future episodes of this season. Visit alephbeta.org to join. Premium members: Already enjoying this series? Make sure you're logged in to access upcoming episodes through your private RSS feed. Need help? Email info@alephbeta.org . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jun 2, 2024

In the concluding episode of the season, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu delve deep into the perplexing issue of Moshe's legacy. In a thought-provoking discussion, they explore the paradox of Moshe – how could a leader uniquely equipped to empathize with those of mixed heritage, have no compassion for the Mekallel, a man who shared his challenging beginnings? The conversation traces back to Moshe's own experiences balancing justice and compassion as a young man, and explores how Moshe, as a leader, consistently displayed these qualities—until a pivotal moment when something changed. Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they navigate the twists and turns of this intriguing narrative, shedding light on the complexities of Moshe's character and leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the profound legacy he leaves behind. Don't miss the powerful conclusion to a series that challenges assumptions and invites reflection on the intricate nature of leadership and empathy. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 26, 2024

Is there any redemption for the mekallel? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu head back to Leviticus to explore a fascinating connection between the mekallel, the utopian laws of the Jubilee year, and the Torah’s original utopia, Eden. This new thread of evidence shines a more uplifting light on our dark text – while unlocking unexpected insight into how we as a society may be able to offer disenfranchised individuals, like the mekallel, a more genuine and meaningful sense of belonging. To learn more about how meaningful service – avodah – is a path back to Eden, listen to this episode of Meaningful Judaism . Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 19, 2024

In this episode, Rabbi Forhman and Imu finally discuss two long-awaited topics. Firstly, what really is so wrong about blasphemy? After all, blasphemy is just words. How can words hurt God? And secondly, the much-promised epilogue to the story of the Mekallel, buried in the book of Shoftim (Judges). And as it turns out, the epilogue deals with the exact same theological issue: the human instinct to control God. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 12, 2024

Rabbi Fohrman and Imu continue to search for justice in the Mekallel’s harsh punishment. Does the answer lie in the strange connection they found last episode between the Mekallel and Moses? To find out, they dive into Moses' coming-of-age story in Exodus, and discover an even deeper bond between these two men who on the surface couldn’t be more different. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

May 5, 2024

Rabbi David Fohrman and Imu Shalev study the tale of the blasphemer, a dark and puzzling episode buried deep in Leviticus. The details of this story are scarce: an anonymous man provokes a fight in the Israelite camp, curses God, and ultimately is stoned to death as punishment. But a close read of these few short verses sends Rabbi Fohrman and Imu on a surprising journey, raising provocative moral questions about God’s judgment and uncovering an unlikely connection between the condemned blasphemer and one of the Bible’s greatest heroes. For more information about our upcoming course on Midrash click here. When registering for this course you automatically become a member of the Patrons Circle. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron and its perks. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

Jan 23, 2023

Join Rabbi Fohrman for an epic journey into reading the Torah on its own terms. Sign up to receive more Aleph Beta content. Click here to start your 7 day FREE trial at Aleph Beta , and gain access to our entire library, as well as exclusive A Book Like No Other bonus content. We love to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts, insights, questions, and reactions by voice note, or send us an email at info@alephbeta.org. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.