Untold Stories Of The Torah (Jewish History)

Rabbi Shmuel Aber

Unpacking the Torah stories (and drama) behind the heroes of the Jewish bible. An inside scoop on little know details of the people inside Tanach (Torah, Neveim, and Kesuvim). Jewish History through the lens of Chabad Teachings. These classes are based on the teachings of Navi as seen through the lens of Gemara, Mishnah, Midrash, and the Rabbinic Commentators. Previously known as: The Heroes of the Torah.

  1. Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 1)

    6D AGO

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 1)

    In Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah (Part 1), the episode introduces one of the most fascinating and paradoxical figures in Tanach, a Kohen who rose to prominence as a fearless warrior. We begin with Beniyahu’s early life and the influence of his father. As a loyal soldier of Dovid Hamelech, Beniyahu emerges among the elite fighters, including the famous episode of the three warriors who risked their lives to draw water for the king. His rise continues as he is appointed commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi, positioning him at the heart of Dovid’s military leadership.The episode then broadens to the turbulent political and military landscape of Dovid Hamelech’s reign. During Avsholom’s rebellion, shifting loyalties lead to Achitophel's death and Yoav’s temporary demotion, opening space for other leaders like Beniyahu to rise. The chaos continues with the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri and the controversial assassination of Ammasa. The episode concludes with a deep analysis of the verses describing Beniyahu’s legendary feats, unpacking both their literal meaning and the deeper significance behind his extraordinary acts of strength and devotion. 00:00 - Intro and Questions 01:54 - Early Life of Beniyahu and his Father 05:41 - A Loyal Soldier for Dovid Hamelech 07:17 - The Three Who Drew Water 20:25 - Commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi 23:08 - The Military Leadership of Dovid Hamelech 25:10 - Avsholom's Rebellion and Yoav's Demotion 32:46 - Rebellion of Sheva Ben Bichri and Assassination of Ammasa 38:11 - The Verses of the Mighty Feats of Beniyahu (and the meaning behind them) Leilu Nishmas Dina Elka bas Tzvi Hirsh

    50 min
  2. Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4)

    JAN 15

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4)

    In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4), Rus follows Noami’s guidance and quietly goes down to Boaz’s field at night. When Boaz awakens and discovers her presence, the tension gives way to dignity and restraint. Boaz blesses Rus for her purity of intent and loyalty, reassures her of his respect, and carefully outlines the proper path forward. Rus remains for the rest of the night without impropriety, preserving her honor and the integrity of the moment before returning to Noami with news that hope is within reach. The narrative then shifts to daylight and public justice. Boaz brings the matter before the high court and summons Tov, the closer redeemer, to resolve the legal right to the land and marriage. When Tov steps aside, Boaz lawfully acquires the fields and marries Rus. Their union soon produces a son, anchoring Noami’s restoration and completing Rus’s transformation from foreign outsider to the mother of Jewish royalty. 00:00 - Intro and Recap 01:03 - Rus Goes Down to the Boaz's Field 02:17 - Boaz Goes to Sleep and Rus Approaches 06:06 - Boaz Awakens and Discovers Rus 11:08 - Boaz Blesses Rus and Tells her his Plan 19:57 - Rus Remains for Remainder of Night 27:08 - Rus Returns to Noami 31:07 - Boaz Summons Tov to the High Court 44:54 - Boaz Acquires the Fields and Marries Rus 49:24 - Rus has a Son 52:31 - The Legacy of Rus

    56 min
  3. Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3)

    11/18/2025

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3)

    In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3), the story continues with Boaz showing exceptional kindness toward Rus. He not only offers her food but also instructs his workers to secretly leave extra stalks for her to collect, ensuring she gathers abundantly. Rus’s hard work and Boaz’s generosity pay off as she returns home with an impressive amount of grain. When she shares the day’s events with Noami, their conversation reveals the first sparks of hope, the realization that Boaz is a potential redeemer of their family. Over the next three months, Rus continues collecting in Boaz’s fields, supported by his protection and favor. As time passes, Noami begins to see divine providence unfolding and devises a bold plan to secure Rus’s future. The episode explores Noami’s wisdom, faith, and the deeper motivations behind her guidance to Rus, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal and heartfelt moments in the Book of Ruth, the night at the threshing floor. 00:00 - Quick Summary 01:19 - Boaz's kindness and food for Rus 07:04 - Boaz instructing his men to help Rus 12:59 - Rus's success in collecting 14:24 - Rus and Noami Discuss Boaz 22:54 - Rus collects for 3 months 27:57 - Noami discusses her plan with Rus 45:44 - Understanding motivation behind Noami's plan

    58 min
  4. Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2)

    08/27/2025

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2)

    In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2), the episode continues with Noami and Rus’s arrival in Beis Lechem at the start of the barley harvest. The podcast explains the significance of the Omer offering and how the agricultural cycle shaped daily life. We see the poverty of Noami and Rus as they return home with nothing, prompting Rus to step forward with a plan to gather leftover grain from the fields. The laws of Leket, Shichacha, and Peah are introduced, giving deeper context to Rus’s decision to collect what was left behind for the poor.The story then shifts to the field itself, where Rus’s humility and modest behavior stand out. Her quiet dignity quickly draws attention when Boaz, a respected leader in Beis Lechem, arrives and inquires about her. After investigating her background, Boaz is impressed by Rus’s loyalty and character. Their first conversation unfolds with kindness and generosity, culminating in Boaz inviting Rus to join him for a meal—an invitation that marks the beginning of a powerful bond and the next step in Rus’s path from poverty to royalty. 00:00 - Intro and Recap 01:11 - Noami and Rus Arriving in Beis Lechem 01:36 - Understanding the Omer Harvesting and Sacrifice 10:16 - Noami and Rus arrive to their house, penniless 13:25 - Rus's plan for collecting in the field 14:34 - Understanding Leket, Shichacha, and Peah 17:13 - Rus and Collecting Leket 20:52 - Rus's Modesty 22:35 - Boaz Arrives at the Field 25:30 - Boaz investigates Rus 35:26 - Boaz Talks with Rus 46:32 - Boaz Invites Rus to Eat

    49 min
  5. Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 1)

    06/22/2025

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 1)

    In this first episode of Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty, we begin the remarkable journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose unwavering devotion reshaped the future of the Jewish people. The podcast opens with an overview of the Book of Ruth, placing the story during the chaotic era of the Judges. We then explore Elimelech’s controversial decision to flee Israel during a famine and settle in Moav—a choice that brings dire consequences. His premature death is followed by the marriages of his sons, Machlon and Kilyon, to Moabite women, which eventually ends in further tragedy. The narrative shifts to Noami’s return to Israel after losing her husband and sons. In a deeply emotional moment, she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moav. Orpah ultimately turns back, and her path leads to an unexpected and dark legacy. Rus, on the other hand, clings to Noami with unparalleled loyalty, uttering the now-famous words of commitment. The episode concludes with Rus and Noami arriving in Israel, setting the stage for a story of redemption, faith, and the hidden roots of royalty. 00:00 – Introduction to the Story of Ruth 02:51 – When Did the Story Happen? 04:49 – Elimelech Leaves Israel During Famine 11:24 – Elimelech’s Punishment 12:07 – Machlon and Kilyon Marry Moabite Women 15:16 – Machlon and Kilyon Die 18:01 – Noami Prepares to Return to Israel 24:29 – Noami Urges Daughters-in-Law to Leave Her 29:53 – Orpah Turns Back. Her Story Explained 37:53 – Rus Clings to Noami 41:39 – Rus and Noami Arrive in Israel

    48 min
  6. Ovadiah. Prophecy, Debt and Oil (Part 2)

    04/15/2025

    Ovadiah. Prophecy, Debt and Oil (Part 2)

    This episode continues the story of Ovadiah, beginning with the showdown on Har Karmel and Ovadiah’s rise to prophecy. It explores the powerful message within the Book of Ovadiah and follows his legacy after his death, focusing on his widow's desperate attempt to repay his debts. The episode concludes with Elisha’s miraculous intervention involving oil and a reflection on the fall of King Yehoram. 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Eliyahu Competition on Har Karmel 08:30 - Ovadiah Becomes a Prophet 15:24 - The Book of Ovadiah 24:46 - Ovadiah Passes Away 26:38 - Ovadiah's Wife and the Remaining Debt 29:27 - Elisha's Instrcutions for Ovadia's Wife 37:21 - The Miracle of the Oil 41:23 - The Fall of King Yehoram

    43 min
  7. Ovadiah. Fear, Self-Sacrifice and Prophecy (Part 1)

    03/24/2025

    Ovadiah. Fear, Self-Sacrifice and Prophecy (Part 1)

    This episode explores the life and background of Ovadiah Hanavi (Obadiah), beginning with his ancestry and early years in the shadow of the wicked Omri dynasty. It highlights Ovadiah’s quiet heroism, including hiding a hundred prophets during King Achav’s reign and borrowing money with interest to save them. The episode builds toward the dramatic moment when Ovadiah meets Eliyahu Hanavi during a time of famine and national crisis. 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Ovadiah's Ancestry 02:31 - Early Life of Ovadiah 04:45 - The Dynasty of Omri 09:39 - King Achav 14:57 - Chiyel Rebuilds Yericho 18:24 - Eliyahu Hanavi and the Famine 23:00 - The Search for Eliyahu 26:55 - Ovadiah is Promoted 30:10 - Ovadiah Hides the Prophets 34:28 - Ovadiah Borrows with Interest 36:15 - Eliyahu is Forced to End the Famine 39:10 - Ovadiah Meets Eliyahu This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Aharon Ben Avraham

    44 min
  8. Avigail. Wife and Prophetess (Part 2)

    02/09/2025

    Avigail. Wife and Prophetess (Part 2)

    Avigail, Part 2 continues to explore the life and legacy of one of the Torah's most fascinating women. This episode examines her connection to King Dovid, tracing key events in his timeline. It also delves into the story of Naval, his betrayal of Dovid, and the judgment that follows. The narrative highlights Avigail's wisdom and decisive actions during this critical moment in Biblical history. 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Recap 01:10 - Avigail Meets Dovid Hamelech 14:26 - Dovid Hamelech's Gratitude to Avigail 17:24 - Naval's Death 28:37 - Dovid and Avigail Get Married 30:50 - Avigail's Capture 35:47 - Kilaev, Son of Avigail 43:04 - Final Note

    45 min
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About

Unpacking the Torah stories (and drama) behind the heroes of the Jewish bible. An inside scoop on little know details of the people inside Tanach (Torah, Neveim, and Kesuvim). Jewish History through the lens of Chabad Teachings. These classes are based on the teachings of Navi as seen through the lens of Gemara, Mishnah, Midrash, and the Rabbinic Commentators. Previously known as: The Heroes of the Torah.

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