Laymen Learn Torah

Sylia A. and Joy B.
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Because it's our Torah too! We're Joy and Sylia, and we're two average (Modern Orthodox) Jewish women seeking to rekindle our relationship with the Torah. Join us as we grapple with the big events, the tiny details, and all of the verses in between.

  1. 2025-10-06

    Episode 24: "Humans Drop the Ball (Bereishit 6-8)"

    Humans get all of the chances in the world, and Joy and Sylia count the ways. But, alas, Hashem decides they all need to go and Noah is the blank slate. After a long hiatus, they're finally back to (almost) finish up the first book of the Torah!

    49 min

  2. 2024-11-14

    "Episode 23: Cain on the Loose! (Bereshit 4-5)"

    Get a riveting play-by-play of the world's first murder! Sylia and Joy dissect Cain's anger problems and lack of perspective. Sylia controvercially presents Cain as a sympathetic figure and Joy is intrigued but not super convinced. More dramatic than Abel's killing is the story of Cain's death...you don't want to miss this absurd account! Let us know what you think in the comments!

    49 min

  3. 2024-10-29

    Episode 22: Guy Meets Girl. Girl Meets Snake (Bereshit 3)

    They're BACK! Joy and Sylia return to tackle the ORIGINAL SIN (SIN...Sin...sin), though Joy does scandalously suggest that maybe Paradaise was meant to be lost all along! Punishments are given out. Humanity and snakes become mortal enemies. Adam might sheepishly have been standing by Chava's side as she tasted the forbidden fruit. It's just a good time all around. Join us for episode 22, and let us know what you think in the comments! Thank you to the fans who urged us to continue on this journey!

    55 min

  4. 2024-05-23

    Adam is Lonely No More (or Perpetually Lonely?) Bereshit 2

    Shoutout to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik for his ingenius interpretation of Bereshit 1 and 2! In this week's episode, Joy and Sylia continue with their philosophical ponderings about the implications of the two contradicting creation stories. They also tackle the topic of shabbat and the forbidden trees, and to lead us up to the juiceier sides of Adam and Eve.

    34 min

  5. 2024-04-12

    Episode 20: "In the Beginning... (Finally)" Bereshit 1

    Joy and Sylia finally overcome their imposter syndrome and begin to tackle one of the toughest parts of the Torah: CREATION (cue echo.) In this episode, the duo try on many hats: physicists, anthropologists, marine biologists, and most importantly, Torah commentators. Because it's their Torah, too!

    1h 2m

  6. 2024-03-11

    Episode 19: "The End: Blessings, Curses, Destinies" (Bereshit 49-50)

    This episode is dedicated to the refuah shlema of Nava ben Irit, and to the Oketz Unit for their tireless and selfless service to Eretz Yisrael! In this episode, Joy and Sylia discuss what it is that Yaakov is passing onto the generations of Am Yisrael to come. He individualized and differentiates based on the child's weaknesses, strengths, and areas of improvement (so progressive!) They also reveal the REAL reason they didn't start with the first chapter of Bereshit!

    1h 3m

  7. 2024-02-15

    "The Values of Yisrael" (Bereshit 47-48)

    Sylia and Joy get serious for once and really dig into the meat of what makes us the children of Yisrael. Is it our thing for shepherds? Is it our strange connection with the land of Canaan? Is it our disregard for birth order? Is it our ability to procreate and fill the land in whatever environment we find ourselves in? Decide with us! PLUS, find out if you have joined the ranks of the 10/7 conservatievs!

    55 min

  8. 2024-02-11

    "The Big Family Reunion" (Bereshit 44-46)

    In this episode, Joy and Sylia feel the feels as Yosef reveals himself to his brothers, and finally reunites with his father, Yaakob. They also discover that not all Pharaohs are created the same (this one happens to be really adorable), and Israelites begin to fulfill the prophecy from Brit ben HaBetarim. PLUS, Joy's secret identity is revealed!

    39 min
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About

Because it's our Torah too! We're Joy and Sylia, and we're two average (Modern Orthodox) Jewish women seeking to rekindle our relationship with the Torah. Join us as we grapple with the big events, the tiny details, and all of the verses in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Sylia A. and Joy B.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sylia A. and Joy B.
  • Show Website
    Laymen Learn Torah