In this insightful episode of "Torah Portion Uncensored," host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the second Torah portion, Tsav, from Leviticus. This episode delves into the intricate ceremonies of consecration and anointment of the Tabernacle, the sacred vessels, and the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as the priesthood under the guidance of Moses. With a deep dive into the last chapter of this portion, Brackman challenges and revisits initial perceptions of nepotism and exclusivity within these ancient rituals, shedding light on the deeper meanings and responsibilities they encapsulate. T ..read more

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," we engage in a profound conversation with Rabbi Levi Morrow, exploring the intersections of Jewish wisdom, identity, and the nature of knowledge itself. Hosted by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman, this discussion not only traverses Rabbi Morrow's journey from Southern California to Jerusalem but also delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Jewish thought and practice in the modern world. Rabbi Morrow, a passionate teacher and doctoral researcher, shares his insights on communal boundaries within Judaism, the fluid nature of identity in Israe ..read more

In this week’s episode of “Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today,” host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman marks the completion of the order of Nashim in the Talmud, which covers topics related to women, marriage, and gender. Brackman creatively ties this milestone for Daf Yomi participants to an analysis of the current war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. He explains how the Jewish concept of marriage involves a man acquiring intimate exclusivity with a woman, while she relinquishes intimacy with other men. Brackman argues this notion of acquisition establishes important boundaries that protect against anar ..read more

In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Lech Lecha" from Genesis 12, which introduces Abraham. Unlike Noah, Abraham's background and reasons for God's favor are minimally detailed in the text, though expanded upon in the Midrash. Rabbi Brackman highlights the theme of journeying in Abraham's life, noting that he embarks on seven distinct journeys—including leaving his homeland at God's command, traveling to Egypt due to famine, and returning to Canaan. These journeys often repeat in the text, prompting deeper examination of subtle differences. Throughout these t ..read more

In this episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Noah, focusing on scholarly interpretations and anomalies within the biblical narrative of the Flood. He begins by acknowledging that while traditional commentaries often address specific questions, they may not consider the broader inconsistencies that academic biblical scholars highlight. Rabbi Brackman notes that scholars point out anomalies suggesting the presence of two distinct flood narratives merged into one. Examples include discrepancies in the number of animals taken into the ar ..read more

In his podcast on the Torah portion of Bereshit (Genesis), Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores a lesser-known aspect of the creation narratives. He examines Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make human in our image, according to our likeness," and notes that God created humans "male and female." This suggests both genders were created simultaneously in God's image, raising questions about the nature of God and gender equality in the divine plan. Moving to Genesis chapter 2, Rabbi Brackman highlights a different sequence. Here, God forms man from dust and breathes life into him. Seeing tha ..read more

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portions of Vayelech and Ha'azinu from the Book of Deuteronomy. He explores the contrasting depictions of God's reaction when the Israelites abandon Him to follow other gods. In Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:16-18), God informs Moses that after his death, the Israelites will stray by worshiping foreign gods native to the land they inhabit. God's response is to "hide His face," symbolizing a withdrawal of divine protection. This passive stance means that without God's safeguarding presence, the Israel ..read more

Welcome to another episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," presented by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. In our Torah Portion Uncensored series, Rabbi Brackman delves deep into the weekly Torah readings, offering profound insights and contemporary relevance. In this episode, Rabbi Brackman explores Parashat Bechukotai, the final portion in the book of Leviticus, or Vayikra. This parashah is both fascinating and, at times, quite disturbing due to its vivid descriptions of rewards and punishments. Listeners can expect a thorough examination of the text, beginning with the blessings that will be b ..read more

Welcome to another episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today" with your host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. Today, we explore the profound insights from a lesser-known yet pivotal work by Rabbi Chaim Vital, a key figure in the Kabbalistic tradition. Born in Italy in the 16th century, Vital is best known for being a chief disciple of Rabbi Isaac Luria and for his work on 'Eitz Chaim,' or The Tree of Life. However, he also authored a remarkable book called 'Derech Chaim,' or The Way of Life, that we will delve into today. 'Derech Chaim' is a guide to moral and ethical living. It presents an organiz ..read more

In this episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi D Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Nitzavim, found in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30. He explores the profound themes of covenant, blessings, and curses that define the relationship between God and the Israelites. Brackman begins by discussing the covenant as a double-edged sword: adherence brings blessings and prosperity, while abandonment leads to severe curses and exile from the Promised Land. He highlights the Hebrew terms used for "curse," particularly "alah," which also means "oath," emphasizing that the curses ..read more