Downstream from Religion Ian P. Bailey

Society further breaks down on micro and macro levels. As Jewish Law wanes and idolatry waxes upon entry into The Land of Israel, The Children of Israel expect to feel free and to follow the whims of their heart; unfortunately, lawlessness turns to aggression, as always. However, in the face of tragedy, kindness plants the seed for renewed hope.

What caused the Levite's concubine to run away from him? Why does his father-in-law placate him for so many days? Why does he leaves the man's home so late in the day? Why does Bnai Yisrael feel so compelled to respond to the atrocity by attacking all of Benjamin, and so strongly at that?  (Pilegesh, concubine, Levi, Yehudah, Ephraim, Efraim, Levite, fathers, husbands marriage, Benjamin, Binyamin).

What led Micha to build one one of the worst creations and cause one of the worst incidences on Biblical record? What is the difference between Levites, Cohenites, and Israelites, and why would a Levite act as a Cohen? Why are these men called both "Man" and "Lad"?

Societies break down on both macro and micro (and medium) levels. The 'Idol of Micha' incident teaches us where to look to solve these problems on a familial level.

(Joseph, connective, guarding, Ephraim, Manasseh, Dan, Micha, Mikah, Michah, Michayahu, idol, molten idols, teraphim, Book of Judges, healthy masculinity, male-female, male, female.).

Why does Samson have a weakness when it comes to women? What are we supposed to learn from his action-oriented achievements? What is the message behind Samson using a donkey's jaw? Buckle your seatbelts as we study the rest of Samson’s dramatic story and extract its lessons to solve for the world's problems.

(Philistines, Samson, Delila, Delilah, Lilith, commanding, guarding, connective, Isaac, Hebron, Chevron, Dan, Judah, Joseph).

Samson is the leader we needed, despite not being the leader we expected. What is Samson's achievement vis-a-vis Judges & Kingship? What is his personality and why does he need to be a "Nazerite of Samson? Where does his strength come from? 

Understand why Shimshon can be seen as the epitomal Judge, as the hero who may be out of line (sometimes), but he is right in his achievements and messages. (Kingship, arrogance, licentiousness, impurity, purity, Philistines, Samson, Shimshon, desire, Danite, Dan, Judah).

(Revised 11/1/2021--> more inspiration & clarity at the end) Jephthah is crowned as a temporary "chief", bringing key victories, but, along with his boldness, tragedy arrives. Understand how leaders who lack spiritual knowledge and are full of hubris negatively impact our lives, and why we should demand more.

See how Jephthah, and lesser-known judges Ibzan, Elon, and Avdon bring us flashes of potent spiritual methods and behaviors, and temporary salvation for the Jewish People.

The Ephraim Tribe and Jephthah bring powerful messages about when to speak up in life, how to carry a 'chip on one's shoulder' for motivation, and not accepting stifling or unideal relationships.

(Attributes, kingship, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, ego-filter, body, arrogance, pride, honor, desire, jealousy; Jephthah, Hillel, Boaz, Book of Ruth).

In the face of fear-inducing idolatrous messages, Tola brings soothing, care, and hope. Yair brings work ethic, entrepreneurship, and hope for his family and all of Israel. Direct lessons for not being fearful in our times; rather, to have hope and keep our faith, innovation, and work ethic.

(Bible, Book of Judges, Hod, Yesod, Aaron, Joseph, fear, anxiety, business, family, entrepreneurship).