The JTS Torah Commentary podcast for Parashat Mattot-Maseei 5769.

Rabbi David Hoffman, scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the themes of vulnerability and joy in his commentary on Parashat Shmini Atzeret.

Rabbi David Hoffman, scholar-in-residence, Development Department, JTS, discusses psychotherapy as a lens for conceptualizing Teshuvah in his commentary on Parashat Ha'azinu.

Rabbi Abigail Treu, rabbinic fellow and director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving, JTS, discusses the metaphors of "stopping" and "starting' as we prepare to begin a new year in her commentary on Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilekh.

Rabbi Abigail Treu, Director of Gift Planning, JTS, discusses the meaning and importance of fulfilling the vows we make to G-d in her commentary on Parashat Ki Tetzei.

Rabbi Robert Harris, associate professor of Bible at JTS, explores the relationship between the dead and the living in his commentary on Parashat Shof’tim.

Professor Arnold M. Eisen, chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the dichotomy and meaning of blessings and curses in his commentary on Parashat R’eih.

Dr. Raymond P. Scheindlin, professor of Medieval Hebrew Literature at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses Moses’s exhortations to the Israelites in his commentary on Parashat Eikev.

Rabbi Mychal Springer, director of the Center for Pastoral Education and the Helen Fried Kirshblum Goldstein Chair in Professional and Pastoral Skills at JTS, discusses the dynamics of consolation in her commentary on Parashat Va-ethannan.

Dr. Alan Mintz, Chana Kekst Professor of Hebrew Literature, JTS, discusses the wanderings of Israel in the desert-and the meanings behind it- in his commentary on Parashat Mattot-Mas'ei.

Rabbi Andrew Shugerman, Rabbinic Fellow, Development department, JTS, discusses Balaam's journey from mercenary to advocate for the state of Israel in his commentary on Parashat Balak.

Dr. Barry Holtz, dean of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education and the Theodore and Florence Baumritter Professor of Jewish Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the connection and importance of ritual in his commentary.

Rabbi David Hoffman, lecturer in the Department of Talmud and Rabbinics and scholar-in-residence, JTS, discusses the nature of Korah's great rebellion in his commentary on Parashat Korah.

Professor Arnold M. Eisen, Chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the nature and importance of Convenant in his compelling commentary on Parashat Sh'lah L'kha.

Rabbi Abigail Treu, Director, Donor Relations, JTS discusses the issues surrounding the Israelis' frustration during their exodus from Egypt in her commentary on Parashat B'haalot'kha.

Rabbi Robbie Harris, associate professor of Bible, JTS, discusses the themes of Parashat B'midbar in a commentary entitled "Teach Us to Number, O God!"

Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and provost, JTS, discusses the distinction between descendents of the priestly castes (kohen, levi) and ordinary Jews (yisra'el) in his commentary on Parashat Emor.

Rabbi David Hoffman, Scholar-in-Residence, Development Department, JTS, discusses identity building in his commentary on Parashat Aharei Mot-K'doshim.

Arnold M. Eisen, chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the meaning of skin diseases in his commentary on Parashat Tazria/Metzora.

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, Rabbi Judah Nadich Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the meaning of silence in his compelling commentary on Parashat Sh'mini.

Professor Arnold Eisen, Chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the meaning of Passover and the value of choosing a life that is serious versus a life that is not.

Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, director of Israel Programs for JTS, dicusses communal responsibility in his commentary on Parashat Va-yikra.

Dr. Barry Holtz, dean of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education and the Theodore and Florence Baumritter Professor of Jewish Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the completion of the Mishkan as well as the importance

Dr. Benjamin Sommer, professor of Bible, JTS, discusses the Tent of Meeting in his compelling commentary on Parashat Ki Tissa.

Rabbi Robert A. Harris, associate professor of Bible, JTS, discusses the vestements of Aaron that he wore in his capacity as kohen gadol (High Priest) in this commentary on Parashat T'tzavveh.