Untold Stories Of The Torah (Jewish History)

Rabbi Shmuel Aber
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  • Updated Weekly

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. Sep 8

    The Early Life of Avraham (Part 1)

    Before Avraham became the father of the Jewish people, he was born into a world that had almost completely forgotten its Creator. This episode traces the rise of idolatry, the extraordinary story of Chanoch, Noach’s connection to the garments of Adam, and the emergence of the powerful King Nimrod. We then meet Terach ben Nachor and enter the dangerous world into which his son Avram was born.On the night of Abram’s birth, mysterious signs convince Nimrod that this newborn child will one day threaten his kingdom. A deadly decree follows, forcing Avram’s mother to hide her infant son inside a cave. Growing up entirely alone, with no teacher to guide him, Avram begins observing the world around him and searching for the One who created it. 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - The History of Idolatry 06:21 - The Story of Chanoch 16:44 - Noach and the Garments of Adam 18:22 - King Nimrod 22:13 - Terach Ben Nachor 24:50 - Birth of Avram and Nimrod's Decree 29:20 - The Night Avram was Born 35:09 - Avram is Hidden in a Cave 37:03 - Avram Discovering God 43:16 - Avram's Mother Returns for her Son

    The Early Life of Avraham (Part 1)

  2. Aug 2

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior (Part 4)

    In the final installment of the story of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah, we follow Beniyahu as he brings Ashmedai to Jerusalem and helps secure the miraculous Shamir for the construction of the Beis Hamikdash. We explore the strange story of the two-headed man, Ashmedai’s overthrow of King Shlomo, and Beniyahu’s role in restoring the king to his throne. The episode continues with two remarkable missions: retrieving the milk of a lioness and assisting King Shlomo during the visit of the Queen of Sheba. We then turn to the final chapters of Beniyahu’s life, examining what the Rabbi's reveal about his children, his extraordinary reincarnations, and his passing. Finally, we trace the history of his burial place near Tzfas and reflect on the enduring legacy of the legendary warrior, Torah scholar, and trusted servant of King Dovid and King Shlomo. 00:00 - Intro 00:38 - Beniyahu bringing Ashmedai to Jerusalem 05:07 - Capturing the Shamir 07:17 - The Story of the Two Headed Man 11:46 - King Shlomo is deposed by Ashmedai 17:50 - Beniyahu Helps Return King Shlomo to the Throne 22:58 - Beniyahu and Retrieving Lioness Milk 27:41 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah and the Queen of Sheba 32:50 - The Children of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah 33:50 - Reincarnations of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah 37:30 - Passing of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah 37:58 - Burial Place of Beniyahu

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior (Part 4)

  3. Jul 2

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 3)

    In Part 3 of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah: Kohen and Warrior, we continue with the dramatic opening of Shlomo HaMelech’s reign and the final reckoning with the unresolved enemies of Dovid HaMelech. The episode begins with Beniyahu carrying out Shlomo’s command to kill Yoav, the powerful general who had fled to the Mizbeach, and explores the deeper meaning of why Yoav’s downfall was necessary for the kingdom to be stabilized. From there, Beniyahu is elevated to become the new general of the army, taking the place of Yoav as the trusted military arm of Shlomo HaMelech. The episode then turns to Shimi ben Geira, whose earlier rebellion against Dovid now reaches its conclusion when he violates Shlomo’s warning and is executed by Beniyahu. The second half of the episode shifts into one of the most mysterious and legendary parts of Shlomo HaMelech’s story: the search for the Shamir worm, the miraculous creature needed for the building of the Beis HaMikdash. This leads into the astonishing mission of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah as he captures Ashmedai, the king of the demons for King Shlomo. 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah kills Yoav 12:00 - Beniyahu becomes General of Army 13:13 - Beniyahu kills Shimi Ben Geira 37:40 - Beniyahu and the Shamir Worm 46:38 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah Captures Ashmedai

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 3)

  4. Jun 15

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 2)

    In Part 2, the spotlight shifts to the dramatic succession struggle that followed the final days of Dovid Hamelech. The episode begins with Adoniyahu’s attempt to seize the throne and the efforts of Beniyahu and other loyalists who remained faithful to Dovid’s chosen successor. As the crisis unfolds, Dovid acts decisively, ordering that Shlomo be publicly anointed as king. The podcast explores this historic coronation and the final instructions Dovid delivers to his son, providing guidance on leadership, justice, and the unfinished matters that would shape the future of the kingdom. The second half follows the challenges facing the newly crowned King Shlomo. When Adoniyahu launches another bid for power, Beniyahu is entrusted with carrying out the king’s judgment, demonstrating both his loyalty and his willingness to enforce difficult decisions. The episode also examines the banishment of Evyasar HaKohen, marking the end of a priestly dynasty and the fulfillment of earlier prophecies. Finally, attention turns to Yoav, who realizes that his past actions have left him vulnerable under the new regime. Fearing retribution, he flees to the altar seeking refuge, setting the stage for one of the most consequential confrontations of Shlomo’s reign and further cementing Beniyahu’s role as both guardian of the kingdom and servant of justice. 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Rebellion of Adoniyahu 08:03 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah and the Loyalists 10:08 - Dovid Hamelech has Shlomo Annointed as King 18:36 - King Dovid's Final Instructions to King Shlomo 21:37 - Adoniyahu Rebels Again 26:07 - Adoniyahu is Punished by Beniyahu 29:24 - King Shlomo Banishes Evyasar HaKohen 35:02 - Yoav Fears King Shlomo and Flees to the Altar

    Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah. Kohen and Warrior. (Part 2)

  5. Mar 29

    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

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

  6. 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

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4)

  7. 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

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3)

  8. 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

    Rus the Moavite. Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2)
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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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