Michael Franco

Parashat Emor: A Philosophy of Holiness: Realizing Your True Essence as a Walking Manifestation of God

In this week's podcast, we discuss some classical philosophical notions towards God and holiness. We then contrast those notions with a different view that draws from both ancient and modern ideas. We appreciate the benefits of this new view and demonstrate how this alternative perspective can lead to a deeper and more imminent connection with the Almighty.

Parashat Qedoshim: The Torah's Redefinition of Holiness

In this week's podcast, we go on an adventure to a time a few millennia ago. We explore what holiness meant then and what some believe it to mean now. Finally, we explore how the Torah completely revolutionizes the concept of holiness and we close with the wise words of Rabbi Moshe Shamah. 

Parashat Ahare Mot: The Immeasurability of a Life

In this week's podcast, we reflect upon current events and ancient laws and notice the fundamental ideas that emerge from our analysis -- the immeasurability of a human life.

Pesah and the Profound Symbolism of Ḥamess

This podcast is in honor of Pesah. We explore various possible explanations behind the prohibition of Ḥamess on Pesah. Explanations range from archaeological to psychological and the messages that emerge completely revolutionize this beautiful misvah.

Parashat Mesora: Haftarah: The Four Lepers, Serendipity, and Nothing to Lose

In this week's podcast, we explore the Haftarah of Parashat Mesora', which takes place in the Northern Kingdom of Israel at a time of siege and ensuing famine. We demonstrate the value of living vulnerably with life and realizing that we have more in common with the protagonists, four lepers, than meets the eye.

Parashat Tazria: Uncovering the Meaning of Sara'at -- A Guide to Healthy Relationships

In this week's podcast, we go on an adventure through Tanak"h to uncover the hidden meaning behind the affliction of Sara'at. We demonstrate that Sara'at is about something much more fundamental than simply "Lashon HaRa" and the message that emerges is key to any healthy relationship.

Parashat Shemini: Balancing Ecstacy and Law

In this week's class, we discuss the 8 day process of the inauguration of the Mishkan and its poetic devices. We then explore the sin of Nadab and Abihu and its connection to various episodes throughout Tanak"h. We end with a guide to worshipping God -- walking the tightrope between creative ecstacy and strict adherence to the law.

The Hidden Message of Megillat Esther: A Criticism of Living in Exile

In this week's podcast, we delve into the messages latent within the text of Megillat Esther. We show that the Megillah is not just a celebration of a victory, but more so a satire and a criticism of choosing to remain in exile when the second temple was already rebuilt.

Here is the verse from זכריה that I was quoting towards the end:

כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת צוֹם הָרְבִיעִי וְצוֹם הַחֲמִישִׁי וְצוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וְצוֹם הָעֲשִׂירִי יִהְיֶה לְבֵית יְהוּדָה לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה וּלְמֹעֲדִים טוֹבִים וְהָאֱמֶת וְהַשָּׁלוֹם אֱהָבוּ.

מרדכי echoes these words: "דברי שלום ואמת"

Parashat Pequde

Closing off Sefer Shemot with a flare for the dramatic.

Eliyahu Saga Part 2: The Sound of Silence

In this week's class, we continue the story of Elijah the prophet, noticing God's continued education of him. The zeal of Elijah shines through all of his acts and the resplendent message he receives from God is still relevant to the perfectionists among us today.