Michael Franco

Parashat Huqqat: Revisiting Moshe's Tragic Error -- What Really Went Wrong?

In this week's podcast, we explore the debacle of Me Meribah. We bring a new explanation of Moshe's mistake that completely revolutionizes the way we understand the entire episode.

Parashat Qorah: A Lesson in Demagoguery and Public Policy

In this week's podcast, we explore the real issue underlying Qorah's seemingly noble demands. Additionally, we explore the Haftarah from the book of Samuel and derive an incredibly important lesson regarding leadership and politics today.

Parashat Behar: Embracing your Transient Human Existence

In this week's podcast, we explore the foresight that God engenders in Jeremiah and the connection to the Parasha. We then explore the difference between transcendence and immanence. We demonstrate the value of balancing these approaches to the Divine and the ability to embrace the transient nature of existence.

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.