The Weekly Haftorah

Rabbi Mendel Dubov

The Weekly Haftorah is your go-to podcast for in-depth insights into the weekly Haftorah readings. Each episode explores the themes, historical context, and spiritual lessons of the Haftorah portion, helping you connect with its timeless messages. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just beginning your Torah study, join us as we delve into the rich tradition of the Prophets and uncover how these ancient texts continue to inspire and guide us today. Perfect for learners, teachers, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of Jewish scripture. Contact Rabbi Dubov via JewishSussex.com

  1. 20/03/2025

    Parah

    To contact Rabbi Mendel Dubov, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    1h 9m

  2. 28/02/2025

    Shekalim

    To contact Rabbi Mendel Dubov, visit ⁠⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠⁠.

    1h 12m

  3. 17/02/2025

    Pekudei

    To contact Rabbi Dubov, visit ⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠.

    1h 21m

  4. 17/02/2025

    Ki Tisa

    To contact Rabbi Dubov, visit ⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠.

    2h 41m

  5. 17/02/2025

    Terumah

    To contact Rabbi Dubov, visit ⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠.

    1 hr

  6. 17/02/2025

    Mishpatim

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    1h 2m

  7. 17/02/2025

    Yisro

    To contact Rabbi Dubov, visit ⁠⁠JewishSussex.com⁠⁠ It is important to note that chronologically the book of Isaiah should have begun here, with chapter 6. The five chapters that precede this were mostly concerning the destruction of “Judah and Jerusalem,” because at that time the state of Israel had already been destroyed by the Assyrians. This came long after the reign of Uzziah, by whose reign the beginning of chapter 6 is dated. This is one of the places that follow the famous rule that “there is no chronological order in the Torah.” The correlation between the Parshah and the haftarah is the vision of the heavenly spheres that open the narrative in the latter. At the time of the giving of the Torah, “the heavens opened” and the Jewish people saw all that the prophets would later describe in mystical terms. In a similar vein, the haftarah for the first day of Shavuot (the date of the giving of the Torah) is taken from the first chapter of Ezekiel, who describes his vision known as the Merkavah (Divine “chariot”). These are portions of Tanach that enter the realm of the esoteric and “heavenly” part of of the Torah, known in Jewish vernacular as Kabbalah. All the physical terms therein must be divested of their simple meaning, as they describe something that is only analogous to the physical description. After witnessing the Divine service of the heavenly angels, a seraph angel brings a “coal” to Isaiah’s lips and atones for his sin (see below). The voice of G‑d is heard and, as if speaking to the angels, He wonders who might go as a messenger to His people below who have gone astray. Isaiah answers the call, this while fully realizing the consequences of such a position. G‑d tells Isaiah of how the people’s heart had grown “fat,” their ears “heavy” and their eyes “sealed.” If only they were more sensitive, they would return to G‑d and not have to endure the troubles looming on the horizon. Unfortunately, it would not be until destruction came that the people would awaken. Still, then, it would be likened to a “terebinth and an oak” in the fall: even though they lose their leaves and beauty, there is still vitality in the trunk. By the same token, although the Jewish people would lose tremendously, they would nevertheless endure forever.

    1h 16m

  8. 05/02/2025

    Beshalach

    To contact Rabbi Dubov, visit ⁠JewishSussex.com⁠. This week's haftorah describes the fall of the Canaanite general Sisera and his armies, who were swept away by the Kishon River, and Deborah's ensuing song of thanks. This parallels this week's Torah portion which discusses the drowning of the Egyptian forces in the Red Sea and and the subsequent songs led by Moses and Miriam. Deborah the Prophetess was the leader and judge of the Israelites at a difficult time; the Israelites were being persecuted by King Jabin of Canaan and his general Sisera. Deborah summoned Barak son of Abinoam and transmitted to him G‑d's instruction: "Go and gather your men toward Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and Zebulun. And I shall draw to you, to the brook Kishon, Sisera, the chieftain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will give him into your hand." At Barak's request, Deborah accompanied him, and together they led the offensive. Sisera was informed of the Israelites' mobilization and he gathered his forces and proceeded towards the Kishon River. Barak's army below and the heavens above waged battle against the Canaanites and utterly destroyed them. The river washed them all away; not one of the enemy survived. The defeated general fled on foot and arrived at the tent of Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite. She invited him in and offered to hide him. When he fell asleep, Jael took a tent-peg and knocked it through Sisera's temple. The next chapter of the haftorah is the Song of Deborah, which describes the miraculous victory and thanks the One Above for His assistance.

    3h 24m
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About

The Weekly Haftorah is your go-to podcast for in-depth insights into the weekly Haftorah readings. Each episode explores the themes, historical context, and spiritual lessons of the Haftorah portion, helping you connect with its timeless messages. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just beginning your Torah study, join us as we delve into the rich tradition of the Prophets and uncover how these ancient texts continue to inspire and guide us today. Perfect for learners, teachers, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of Jewish scripture. Contact Rabbi Dubov via JewishSussex.com

Information

  • Creator
    Rabbi Mendel Dubov
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rabbi Mendel Dubov
  • Show Website
    The Weekly Haftorah