Horizontal Media

Horizontal Media

Conversations and commentary grounded in Covenantal Judaism

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh: Shebhaṭ

    Show NotesEpisode OverviewThis month, we explore Shebhaṭ—the Hebrew month whose name means "to strike" or "to beat," reflecting winter's agricultural reality. We examine the fifteenth of Shebhaṭ (Tu BiShvaṭ), tracing its transformation from a simple legal boundary in the agricultural calendar to an elaborate mystical ritual, and ask: what's the difference between worship commanded by God and worship we invent for ourselves? Key TopicsThe Name ShebhaṭEtymology from Akkadian šabāṭu (to strike, to beat) Connection to winter rains and agricultural cycles in the Land of Israel The importance of grounding our calendar in physical, observable reality Ḥamisha-'Asar biShbaṭ: The Halakhic FoundationMishnah Rosh haShanah 1:1—the New Year for Trees Original function: a fiscal boundary for agricultural tithes (ma'aser) Relevance to laws of 'orla (first three years' fruit prohibition) Rabbi Yehudah haLewi's emphasis on Torah's "precise demarcations" (Kuzari II:50, III:49) The fading of practical observance after the Temple's destruction The Problem: Innovation Displacing TransmissionPeri 'Eṣ Hadar and the Tu BiShvaṭ seder (published in Ḥemdat Yamim, 1731-32) Connections to Sabbatean circles and Nathan of Gaza The concept of ijtihad (personal striving) vs. qabbalah (authentic transmission) Understanding Qabbalah as face-to-face reception—the intimacy of legitimate transmission Why mystical innovation claims hierarchical authority over halakhic tradition Turkish Jewish Practice: Loyalty to MesorahReading the fifteen Shir haMa'aloth (Psalms 120-134) with cantillation Eating fruits with corresponding verses from Shir haShirim (Song of Songs) Reciting halakhically prescribed blessings How authentic custom operates within transmitted boundaries PDF booklet edited by Hakham Isaac Choua- https://www.sephardicbrotherhood.comfiles/ugd/0019a07815476f92454b6ba59d17cba725ffa7.pdf  Restoration and AwakeningJewish sovereignty and the return to agricultural mitsvoth The sap rising after winter's dormancy—physical and spiritual restoration Mishnah Pe'ah: agricultural law as the foundation of horizontal society Girsa (perfect recitation) as planting Torah with roots The connection between rooted study and branching interpretation (peirusho) Primary Sources CitedMishnah Rosh haShanah 1:1 Mishnah Pe'ah 1:1 Rabbi Yehudah haLewi, Kuzari I:79, II:50, III:23, III:49 Rambam on gemilut ḥasadim and Torah study Isaiah 60:21 (Ladino translation) Proverbs 3:18 Key ConceptsQabbalah: Face-to-face transmission from legitimate authority (from root QBL—frontal, facing) Ijtihad: Personal striving and innovation in worship (Arabic term used by haLewi) Mesorah: Received tradition through the chain of transmission Girsa: Perfect recitation that plants Torah with roots (related to Arabic gharasa—to plant) Peirusho: Interpretation and ramifications that branch from rooted study Horizontal society: Reciprocal community based on halakhic precision rather than mystical hierarchy Questions for ReflectionHow do we distinguish between authentic tradition and innovation that claims traditional authority? What role does precision play in maintaining the integrity of halakhic practice? How can we mark meaningful dates in the Jewish calendar without inventing unauthorised ritual obligations? What does the return to agricultural sovereignty mean for the restoration of Torah law? How does girsa—perfect recitation of transmitted texts—serve as the foundation for legitimate interpretation? Episode Quotes"Qabbalah is reception face-to-face. The student sits before the teacher, watching their lips form the words, receiving directly from the source of authority." "We don't need to invent mystical rituals to feel connected. The connection is in the qabbalah itself—in the intimate, tender act of receiving from teacher to student, generation to generation." "After the long winter of exile, spring is coming because the Land and the Law are being reunited, and life is returning to its proper channels." "This is the whole Torah, and the rest is its peirusho—its interpretation, its ramifications—go study." (Hillel) Support the PodcastThis podcast is made possible by our community of supporters on Patreon. Find us at Horizontal Media to join the conversation and help us continue exploring Jewish time, wisdom, and practice through the lens of authentic transmission. Next Month: Adar—exploring joy, Purim, and the triumph of transmitted wisdom over those who sought to destroy it. Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh is a monthly exploration of the Hebrew calendar through Sephardic intellectual methodology, emphasising textual precision and authentic transmission over mystical innovation.

    53 min

  2. 1 FEB

    The Principled Centrist

    Show Notes: Guest: Rabbi Daniel Levine In this episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with Rabbi Daniel Levine, the Senior Jewish Educator for Hillel at UC Irvine and a lecturer in Jewish Studies. They dive deep into the intellectual and spiritual evolution of a modern rabbi, the challenges facing Jewish students on campus today, and the delicate balance of maintaining a "principled centrist" identity in a polarized world. Episode HighlightsThe Intellectual Journey: Rabbi Daniel shares his transition from the "hyper-intellectual" world of the Brisk/Soloveitchik Yeshiva tradition to the pluralistic "soup" of modern American Judaism. He discusses how studying Jewish history from an academic perspective changed his view of Torah from a "top-down" static revelation to a "bottom-up" organic creation of the Jewish people. Biblical Criticism vs. Tradition: A candid discussion on the "shock to the system" that comes from encountering biblical criticism. Daniel explains how viewing the Torah as a composite text actually enhanced his connection to Jewish tradition and peoplehood, even as his relationship with halakha (Jewish law) changed. The "Slippery Slope" of Observance: Avi and Daniel grapple with the "slippery slope" of non-Orthodox life—how to define parameters for Jewish commitment and continuity without the strict boundaries of traditional law. The Fifth Question: Daniel discusses the philosophy behind his own podcast, The Fifth Question, and why long-form dialogue is the only way to preserve the nuance essential to Jewish thought. Zionism as an Indigenous Movement: Why Daniel views Zionism as a successful de-colonial, indigenous rights movement and his concerns about why it isn't celebrated as such by modern progressives. Jewish Identity and Intermarriage: A nuanced look at the reality of assimilation and intermarriage in America. Daniel introduces the halakhic framework of L’chatchila (ideal) vs. B’dyeved (post-facto) as a way to remain welcoming to all families while advocating for Jewish continuity. The Overton Window of Judaism: A debate on what constitutes "authentic" Judaism. Daniel argues for a wide "Overton Window" that includes everyone from female Reform rabbis to the ultra-Orthodox in Borough Park. * Life on Campus Post-October 7: An honest assessment of the climate for Jewish students at UC Irvine and across the country. Daniel explains how modern anti-Zionist rhetoric often mirrors Soviet-era propaganda and why Jewish education is the best defense against campus hostility. The "Fast Takes" Round: Daniel’s preference for Persian cuisine over Ashkenazi cholent, his recommendation for the one book every centrist should read (As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg), and what he would ask Maimonides if given the chance. Key Concepts DiscussedTorah Min HaShamayim: The traditional belief that the Torah was given directly by God at Sinai. Kiruv: Jewish outreach aimed at bringing Jews closer to tradition. Halakha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws. Brisk Method: An analytical approach to Talmud study emphasizing conceptual definitions. * Connect with Rabbi Daniel LevineListen to his podcast: The Fifth Question Follow his work at: Hillel at UC Irvine https://www.ochillel.org/ucirvine Enjoyed the show? Please like, rate, and subscribe to The Rabbi Avi Show. To support the podcast, become a member at patreon.com/horizontalmedia

    1h 4m
  3. The Principled Centrist

    1 FEB

    The Principled Centrist

    Show Notes: Guest: Rabbi Daniel Levine In this episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with Rabbi Daniel Levine, the Senior Jewish Educator for Hillel at UC Irvine and a lecturer in Jewish Studies. They dive deep into the intellectual and spiritual evolution of a modern rabbi, the challenges facing Jewish students on campus today, and the delicate balance of maintaining a "principled centrist" identity in a polarized world. Episode HighlightsThe Intellectual Journey: Rabbi Daniel shares his transition from the "hyper-intellectual" world of the Brisk/Soloveitchik Yeshiva tradition to the pluralistic "soup" of modern American Judaism. He discusses how studying Jewish history from an academic perspective changed his view of Torah from a "top-down" static revelation to a "bottom-up" organic creation of the Jewish people. Biblical Criticism vs. Tradition: A candid discussion on the "shock to the system" that comes from encountering biblical criticism. Daniel explains how viewing the Torah as a composite text actually enhanced his connection to Jewish tradition and peoplehood, even as his relationship with halakha (Jewish law) changed. The "Slippery Slope" of Observance: Avi and Daniel grapple with the "slippery slope" of non-Orthodox life—how to define parameters for Jewish commitment and continuity without the strict boundaries of traditional law. The Fifth Question: Daniel discusses the philosophy behind his own podcast, The Fifth Question, and why long-form dialogue is the only way to preserve the nuance essential to Jewish thought. Zionism as an Indigenous Movement: Why Daniel views Zionism as a successful decolonial, indigenous rights movement and his concerns about why it isn't celebrated as such by modern progressives. Jewish Identity and Intermarriage: A nuanced look at the reality of assimilation and intermarriage in America. Daniel introduces the halakhic framework of L’chatchila (ideal) vs. B’dyeved (post-facto) as a way to remain welcoming to all families while advocating for Jewish continuity. The Overton Window of Judaism: A debate on what constitutes "authentic" Judaism. Daniel argues for a wide "Overton Window" that includes everyone from female Reform rabbis to the ultra-Orthodox in Borough Park. * Life on Campus Post-October 7: An honest assessment of the climate for Jewish students at UC Irvine and across the country. Daniel explains how modern Antizionist rhetoric often mirrors Soviet-era propaganda and why Jewish education is the best defense against campus hostility. The "Fast Takes" Round: Daniel’s preference for Persian cuisine over Ashkenazi cholent, his recommendation for the one book every centrist should read (As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg), and what he would ask Maimonides if given the chance. Key Concepts DiscussedTorah Min HaShamayim: The traditional belief that the Torah was given directly by God at Sinai. Kiruv: Jewish outreach aimed at bringing Jews closer to tradition. Halakha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws. Brisk Method: An analytical approach to Talmud study emphasizing conceptual definitions. Connect with Rabbi Daniel LevineListen to his podcast: The Fifth Question Follow his work at: Hillel at UC Irvine https://www.ochillel.org/ucirvine Enjoyed the show? Please like, rate, and subscribe to The Rabbi Avi Show. To support the podcast, visit patreon.com/horizontalmedia.

    1h 4m
  4. The Future at the Table: Wrestling with the Soul of American Judaism

    18 JAN

    The Future at the Table: Wrestling with the Soul of American Judaism

    Episode Summary: They say if you want to see the future of the Jewish people, don’t look at a spreadsheet of statistics—look at who is sitting around your Shabbat table. In this episode, Rabbi Avi is joined by four dynamic young Jewish leaders—Shoshana Levine, Jacob Sandler, Ed Gelernt, and Aleeza Schoenberg—for a conversation that started as a Friday night dinner and turned into a high-energy debate about the future of American Jewry in 2026. Together, they wrestle with the "slippery slope" of standards versus inclusivity, the transition from Modern Orthodoxy to Egalitarianism, and how to build meaningful communities for a generation that demands authenticity. Whether you are a daily minyan-goer or someone who hasn’t stepped inside a synagogue in years, there is a seat for you at this table. Key Topics & Takeaways The Fifth Child: We know the four children from the Haggadah, but what about the one who didn't even show up? The group discusses how to reach the disengaged and "on the bubble" Jews who are falling through the cracks. Standards vs. The Slippery Slope: A debate on whether maintaining strict standards preserves the community or alienates the very people we are trying to reach. Authenticity & Egalitarianism: Aleeza shares her powerful personal journey from Modern Orthodoxy to finding a space where her presence as a woman didn't just exist, but truly mattered. "LARPing" as Judeans: Ed proposes a provocative idea: Are we just live-action role-playing as ancient Judeans in modern America, or are we building a living, breathing civilization? High Ceilings, Low Floors: How to create educational programming (like Ed and Aleeza's Mishmar group) that is accessible to beginners without boring the experts. The Price of Admission: Addressing the financial and cultural barriers of suburban synagogue memberships and how to make Shul feel like home again. The Power of Singing: Why music and communal singing might be the "secret sauce" to engagement that transcends belief. Featured Guests Shoshana Levine: A second-year rabbinical student at The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and long-time student of Rabbi Avi. Jacob Sandler: Hazzan (Cantor) at North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El in Highland Park, Illinois. Ed Gelernt: A PhD student in Genetics at Stanford University and an active lay leader at Kol Emet in Palo Alto. Aleeza Schoenberg: A writer, Jewish communal leader, and board member at Kol Emet in Palo Alto. Quotes from the Episode "The essence of what it is to be a Jew is to be engaged in the question of what it is to be a Jew." "We are a religion of collaborative overlap." "If you want to get Jews to want to be Jewish, figure out what part of it actually was home." Connect with The Rabbi Avi Show Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations on Jewish life, law, and philosophy. support us at www.patreon.com/horizontalmedia Follow us on https://x.com/tribopub?s=11&t=2puXn_1r6I2Vh7QUp3VPaw

    1h 21m
  5. Beshert In The Modern World

    3 JAN

    Beshert In The Modern World

    Call to ActionIf you found this story of "Beshert" inspiring, please subscribe and leave a review at patreon.com/horizontalmedia We began this series in the most vulnerable of places: the hospital room. We sat with my friend Adam Fox, exploring what it means to show up for one another when life hangs in the balance. We continued that conversation with Dr. David Dierks, an ER physician who gave us a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the frustrations of healing and the fragility of the human body. And most recently, we were moved to our core by E.C. Stillson. Facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis—what many would call a "death sentence"—she showed us that even in the shadow of illness, life can be lived with spectacular purpose.Through these episodes, we’ve learned that life is precious and every moment is a gift. But as we transition today, I want to focus on a different kind of health. It is the health of the heart, the health of our community, and the vitality of our future.You see, we don’t want to just survive; we want to thrive. We want to walk through this short life not in loneliness, but with a partner—someone who doesn't just "settle" for us, but someone who matches the frequency of our soul.For the American Jewish community, this is a unique challenge. The statistics are daunting: outside the traditional Orthodox world, nearly 72% of Jews are marrying outside the Jewish people. I hear many of my rabbinical colleagues lamenting this as a "social illness," sometimes even berating the people for drifting away. Others have simply surrendered to the tide.I’ve decided to take a different approach. I’ve decided to treat this as a part of my ministry—a proactive "preventative medicine" for the soul. I never imagined myself as a matchmaker, but I’ve realized that I cannot simply complain about the statistics; I have to be part of the solution. If I can help a Jewish man and a Jewish woman find a harmonious beginning, I am helping to heal the heart of our people.Today’s guests are the living proof that this "ministry of matchmaking" works.Several years ago, Stephanie walked into my office. She was 26, an artist, and deeply wary of the superficiality of dating apps. Shortly after, through a "team effort" with members of our community, I was able to introduce her to Eric. Eric is a jazz guitarist, a man of deep values, who at 36 was beginning to wonder if his Beshert—his intended—was ever going to appear.On paper, they were an unlikely pair. There were age gaps, height differences, and divergent hobbies. But they chose to break the modern rules of dating. They chose to look past the superficial and connect on a deep, philosophical level.Today, they are here to share their story. And they didn’t come alone. We are also joined by six-month-old baby Shayna—the youngest guest in the history of the Rabbi Avi Show. She is a living testimony to the fact that when two souls connect, they don't just change their own lives; they build the future.Please join me in welcoming Stephanie, Eric, and little Shayna.(Music swells to a joyful peak and fades as the interview starts)

    42 min
  6. Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh: Ṭebheth

    3 JAN

    Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh: Ṭebheth

    Source Sheet: Host: Yosef Lopez I. The Biblical Reference for ṬebhethEsther 2:16 וַתִּלָּקַ֨ח אֶסְתֵּ֜ר אֶל־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ אֶל־בֵּ֣ית מַלְכוּת֔וֹ בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִ֖י הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת בִּשְׁנַת־שֶׁ֖בַע לְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ "And Esther was taken unto King Aḥashwerosh into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Ṭebheth, in the seventh year of his reign." II. The Historical Siege of JerusalemMelakhim Bet (2 Kings) 25:1 וַיְהִי֩ בִשְׁנַ֨ת הַתְּשִׁיעִ֜ית לְמׇלְכ֗וֹ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי֮ בֶּעָשׂ֣וֹר לַחֹ֒דֶשׁ֒ בָּ֠א נְבֻכַדְנֶאצַּ֨ר מֶלֶךְ־בָּבֶ֜ל הוּא וְכׇל־חֵיל֛וֹ עַל־יְרוּשָׁלַ֖͏ִם וַיִּ֣חַן עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּבְנ֥וּ עָלֶ֛יהָ דָּיֵ֖ק סָבִֽיב׃ "And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built siege-works against it round about." Eikha (Lamentations) 4:9 טוֹבִ֤ים הָיוּ֙ חַלְלֵי־חֶ֔רֶב מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י רָעָ֑ב... "Better were the slain of the sword than the slain of hunger..." III. The Purpose and Nature of Public FastsRambam, Hilkhoth Ta'aniyyoth (Laws of Fasts) 5:1 "There are days when all Israel fasts because of the catastrophes that occurred on them, in order to stir the hearts and open the paths of teshuva... Through remembering these things, we will return to do good." Isaiah 58:6-7 הֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צוֹם אֶבְחָרֵ֒הוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֥וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה... הֲל֨וֹא פָרֹ֤ס לָרָעֵב֙ לַחְמֶ֔ךָ וַעֲנִיִּ֥ים מְרוּדִ֖ים תָּ֣בִיא בָ֑יִת... "Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the chains of wickedness, to undo the bonds of oppression... Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house...?" IV. The Text of the Qaddish (Maimonidean Tradition)The text emphasizes life and redemption, rather than death: יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵיהּ רַבָּה. (אָמֵן) בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵיהּ, וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵיהּ, וְיַצְמַח פֻּרְקָנֵיהּ, וִיקָרֵב מְשִׁיחֵיהּ, וְיִפְרֹק עַמֵּיהּ, בְּחַיֵּיכוֹן וּבְיוֹמֵיכוֹן וּבְחַיֵּיהוֹן דְּכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב; וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן. "...May He establish His kingdom, cause His salvation to sprout, bring near His Messiah, and redeem His people, in your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, swiftly and soon. And say, Amen." V. Individual Responsibility vs. Ritual FormulaEzekiel 18:20 הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַחֹטֵ֖את הִ֣יא תָמ֑וּת בֵּ֞ן לֹא־יִשָּׂא֙ בַּעֲוֺ֣ן הָאָ֗ב וְאָב֙ לֹ֤א יִשָּׂא֙ בַּעֲוֺ֣ן הַבֵּ֔ן... "The soul that sins, it shall die; a son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, and a father shall not bear the iniquity of the son..." VI. Authentic Ways to Commemorate the DeceasedTorah Study: Based on Sanhedrin 104a—The legacy of the deceased lives through the transmission of their wisdom. Tefilla Leadership: Serving as Shelihaḥ ṣibbur (communal representative) to sanctify God's name through standard prayer. Qaddish DeRabbanan: Recited specifically after communal Torah study. Acts of Ḥesedh: Charity and kindness performed in the name of the deceased (Avoth 4:11). Episode Summary: In this episode, host Yosef Lopez explores the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar, Ṭebheth. We journey from the festive "Festival of Daughters" at the month’s start to the somber fast of the Tenth of Ṭebheth, marking the start of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Beyond history, this episode challenges modern Jewish practice—questioning the nature of communal fasting and making a bold, controversial case for why the custom of "Mourner’s Qaddish" should be abolished in favor of authentic Torah study and acts of kindness. Key TakeawaysThe Etymology of Ṭebheth: Derived from the Akkadian ṭebētu ("to sink" or "immerse"), reflecting the depth of winter and the heavy rains that "immerse" the land. The Anatomy of a Siege: Understanding the Tenth of Ṭebheth not just as a date, but as "slow violence"—the methodical attrition of hope that precedes national catastrophe. The Conditional Fast: A halakhic deep-dive into why minor fasts are not unconditional obligations like Yom Kippur, but communal tools for teshuva (repentance). The Qaddish Controversy: Why the "Mourner’s Qaddish" is a medieval folk development rather than classical Judaism, and how it potentially distorts communal prayer into ancestor worship. Authentic Commemoration: Shifting from "magical formulae" to honoring the dead through Torah study, leading regular prayer, and acts of ḥesedh (charity). Timestamped Highlights[00:00] Introduction: From the "Festival of Daughters" to the depth of winter. [04:15] The Name Ṭebheth: Biblical references and Akkadian roots. [08:45] Historical Siege: Examining 2 Kings, Jeremiah, and the "slow violence" of Nebuchadnezzar. [15:30] The Halakha of Fasting: Rambam and the three conditions of Rabh Papa (persecution, peace, or "middle times"). [22:10] Isaiah’s Warning: Why fasting without justice and teshuva is merely "theatre." [28:40] Yom Qaddish Kelali: Hakham Uzziel’s modern innovation for Shoah victims. [33:15] The Case Against Mourner’s Qaddish: Exploring the text, its medieval origins, and its theological contradictions. [45:00] Better Alternatives: Five ways to truly honor a loved one's legacy through Torah and action. [52:30] Conclusion: Choosing Torah over folklore and looking forward to Shebhaṭ. Resources & Texts MentionedTanakh: Esther 2:16, 2 Kings 25:1, Lamentations 4:9-10, Ezekiel 18:20, Zechariah 8:19. Mishneh Torah: Rambam, Hilkhoth Ta'aniyyoth (Laws of Fasts) and Hilkhoth Ebhel (Laws of Mourning). Talmud: Masekhet Ta'anith 18b (Rabh Papa’s distinction); Sanhedrin 104a (Torah study for the deceased). Scholarship: Professor Theodor Gaster on the origins of Yizkor. Contemporary Figures: Hakham Benzion Meir Hai Uzziel (The Rishon LeSion). Call to ActionSupport the Podcast: If this episode challenged your perspective or deepened your understanding of Jewish time, consider supporting us on Patreon under "Horizontal Media." Your support keeps these deep-dives into classical Judaism possible. Engage: Don't let the conversation end here. Share this episode with someone you want to study with—or someone you want to argue with! Next Month: Join us as we explore Shebhaṭ, the month of rising sap and invisible growth.

    47 min

  7. 3 JAN

    Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh Ṭebheth

    Source Sheet: Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh – ṬebhethHost: Yosef Lopez I. The Biblical Reference for ṬebhethEsther 2:16 וַתִּלָּקַ֨ח אֶסְתֵּ֜ר אֶל־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ אֶל־בֵּ֣ית מַלְכוּת֔וֹ בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִ֖י הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת בִּשְׁנַת־שֶׁ֖בַע לְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ "And Esther was taken unto King Aḥashwerosh into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Ṭebheth, in the seventh year of his reign." II. The Historical Siege of JerusalemMelakhim Bet (2 Kings) 25:1 וַיְהִי֩ בִשְׁנַ֨ת הַתְּשִׁיעִ֜ית לְמׇלְכ֗וֹ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי֮ בֶּעָשׂ֣וֹר לַחֹ֒דֶשׁ֒ בָּ֠א נְבֻכַדְנֶאצַּ֨ר מֶלֶךְ־בָּבֶ֜ל הוּא וְכׇל־חֵיל֛וֹ עַל־יְרוּשָׁלַ֖͏ִם וַיִּ֣חַן עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּבְנ֥וּ עָלֶ֛יהָ דָּיֵ֖ק סָבִֽיב׃ "And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built siege-works against it round about." Eikha (Lamentations) 4:9 טוֹבִ֤ים הָיוּ֙ חַלְלֵי־חֶ֔רֶב מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י רָעָ֑ב... "Better were the slain of the sword than the slain of hunger..." III. The Purpose and Nature of Public FastsRambam, Hilkhoth Ta'aniyyoth (Laws of Fasts) 5:1 "There are days when all Israel fasts because of the catastrophes that occurred on them, in order to stir the hearts and open the paths of teshuva... Through remembering these things, we will return to do good." Isaiah 58:6-7 הֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צוֹם אֶבְחָרֵ֒הוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֥וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה... הֲל֨וֹא פָרֹ֤ס לָרָעֵב֙ לַחְמֶ֔ךָ וַעֲנִיִּ֥ים מְרוּדִ֖ים תָּ֣בִיא בָ֑יִת... "Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the chains of wickedness, to undo the bonds of oppression... Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house...?" IV. The Text of the Qaddish (Maimonidean Tradition)The text emphasizes life and redemption, rather than death: יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵיהּ רַבָּה. (אָמֵן) בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵיהּ, וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵיהּ, וְיַצְמַח פֻּרְקָנֵיהּ, וִיקָרֵב מְשִׁיחֵיהּ, וְיִפְרֹק עַמֵּיהּ, בְּחַיֵּיכוֹן וּבְיוֹמֵיכוֹן וּבְחַיֵּיהוֹן דְּכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב; וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן. "...May He establish His kingdom, cause His salvation to sprout, bring near His Messiah, and redeem His people, in your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, swiftly and soon. And say, Amen." V. Individual Responsibility vs. Ritual FormulaEzekiel 18:20 הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַחֹטֵ֖את הִ֣יא תָמ֑וּת בֵּ֞ן לֹא־יִשָּׂא֙ בַּעֲוֺ֣ן הָאָ֗ב וְאָב֙ לֹ֤א יִשָּׂא֙ בַּעֲוֺ֣ן הַבֵּ֔ן... "The soul that sins, it shall die; a son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, and a father shall not bear the iniquity of the son..." VI. Authentic Ways to Commemorate the DeceasedTorah Study: Based on Sanhedrin 104a—The legacy of the deceased lives through the transmission of their wisdom. Tefilla Leadership: Serving as Shelihaḥ ṣibbur (communal representative) to sanctify God's name through standard prayer. Qaddish DeRabbanan: Recited specifically after communal Torah study. Acts of Ḥesedh: Charity and kindness performed in the name of the deceased (Avoth 4:11).

    47 min
  8. The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom with guest E.C. Stilson

    21/12/2025

    The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom with guest E.C. Stilson

    Show Notes: Guest: E.C. Stilson (Elisa Magagna) 🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this profound and deeply personal conversation, Rabbi Avi welcomes back author E.C. Stilson (Elisa Magagna) to discuss her new novel, The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom. Born from Elisa's own face-to-face encounters with mortality while battling Stage IV melanoma, the book explores the "spiritual architecture" of the afterlife. Elisa opens up about her health crisis, the "spirit of death" that visited her dreams, and how her main character, Opal, became a vessel for her to confront her own inner critic. They dive into a unique vision of Purgatory—not as a place of punishment, but as a school of craft led by a Master Luthier—where souls are repaired like weathered violins. 🗝️ Key Themes & Discussion PointsThe Catalyst of Mortality: Elisa shares the harrowing experience of a 2021 health crisis where she was 30 minutes away from death, and how that urgency fueled the completion of this novel. The Eternal Symphony: Why music and harmony serve as the central language for Elisa’s vision of Heaven and the soul. The Pleopyts (Purgatory) as a Workshop: A look at the "Master Luthier" and the concept that our souls, though dented and scratched by life, can be repaired through learning and "tuning." The Inner Critic vs. Grace: Confronting the "grating monologue" of failure and perfectionism, and finding the "gentle whisper" that says, "You were doing your best." Legacy and "The Ripple Effect": Shifting the definition of legacy from professional performance to the kindness and resonance we leave in the people we love. The "Knotty" String to God: A beautiful Jewish metaphor about how the more "knots" (mistakes and repairs) we have in our connection to the Divine, the shorter the string and the closer we actually are to God. 📖 Notable Quotes"The strings with the more knots, they're actually shorter and they're closer to God because they've had to learn more." — Elisa Magagna "True legacy is not about what you did on earth. It's about the kindness and the resonance you leave within other people." — The Master Luthier (from the novel) "I think God wants us to be perfectly imperfect... I'm me, and that's good enough." — Elisa Magagna 🔗 Resources MentionedBook: The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom by E.C. Stilson  Book: Ring the Bell by E.C. Stilson Book Reference: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner ❤️ Support the ShowIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe, and recommend the Rabbi Avi Show. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/horizontalmedia

    46 min
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Conversations and commentary grounded in Covenantal Judaism

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