A Book Like No Other Podcast

This season's focus is on Tehilim (Psalm) 126, otherwise known as Shir HaMaalot. You know, the one that Jews sing before bensching on Shabbat and festivals. This short but powerful poem tells us that when the redemption comes we will be "like dreamers." But is this a good thing? What if our dream state prevents us from coming to terms with the actual redemption? And if so, how do we "wake up"? Listen to this entertaining but groundbreaking investigation of a familiar text.

A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey

In the season finale, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore the final commandment—“Thou shalt not covet”—through the emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau. As they unpack the psychological wounds left by their father’s perceived favoritism, a deeper truth emerges: healing comes not from acquiring more, but from seeing the divine in one another. Through a close reading of the text, they reveal how these once-bitter rivals move beyond envy, offering a profound lesson on finding wholeness in our relationships.

For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion, as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac.

A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey

What drives someone to steal? And why does the Bible warn so strongly against false testimony? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu Shalev examine how the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Lavan provides surprising insight into the psychology behind the 8th and 9th commandments. From Rachel's theft of her father's idols to Lavan's self-righteous covenant at Gal'ed, this episode reveals how our deepest pains can lead to actions that ultimately cannot heal us, and how the Ten Commandments offer wisdom rather than mere prohibition.

For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion, as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac.

A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey

Continuing their journey through the Ten Commandments, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu examine murder and adultery through the lens of the Genesis Deception story. They unpack why Esau—usually painted as the bad guy—holds back from killing Jacob even when he knows exactly where to find him, giving us a fresh take on "Do not murder." Then they explore how Laban's meddling in Jacob's marriage to Rachel offers a surprising spin on adultery—showing it's not just about infidelity, but about the damage caused when someone interferes in sacred relationships. Through their analysis, a profound message emerges: the commandments aren't simply rules, but wisdom about how our actions affect our deepest connections and desires.

For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion, as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac.

A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey

Continuing their analysis of the Ten Commandments through Genesis 27, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu focus on two pivotal commands: Shabbat and honoring one's parents. They begin by uncovering surprising connections between Rebecca's plea for Jacob's safety and the concept of divine rest. How does Jacob's exhausting fourteen-year labor under Lavan transform our understanding of Shabbat? And what can this teach us about finding true rest in our own lives?

The discussion then turns to the command of Kibbud Av v'Em - honoring both father and mother. Through a close reading of Esav's response to his parents' values, even after feeling betrayed, they reveal how this command speaks to something far deeper than mere obedience. It points to the delicate art of maintaining wholeness in relationships, ultimately connecting to our relationship with the land itself.

Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they demonstrate how these two commands emerge not as arbitrary rules, but as profound wisdom about maintaining balance in our most fundamental relationships - with time, with family, and with the earth that sustains us.

Intrigued by our discussion of land as our grandparents? Explore this idea further in our Shavuot episode of Into the Verse. For a deeper dive, we recommend Rabbi Fohrman's courses A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH and The Meaning of Life, as well as his analysis of the deception story in this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion, as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac.

A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.