Author Archives: setapartradio

Satan is well known across the globe as the embodiment of pure evil: a figure who elicits fear, hatred, and disgust in people of faith worldwide. But is this reputation well deserved? Does the Satan of today—the fallen angel, the devil—truly reflect his biblical origin? For the next two weeks we will be discussing theContinue reading “Who is Satan?”

A sweet new year to everyone!

This week on the show we continue our Ten Commandments series with one of the most important negative mitzvot when it comes to human civilization: the prohibition of adultery. We’ll discuss some of the reasons for the prohibition, as well as some important things to remember in avoiding this most heartbreaking of sins. Additionally, RabbiContinue reading “Lo Tinaf”

The Pew Research Center recently published a new survey regarding Jewish life in America in 2020. This contains tons of information on everything from population numbers, to income, to political views. Perhaps most interesting is American Jewish perspectives on religion, especially from the younger generation. If you want to check out the study, you canContinue reading “Pew Research Releases 2020 Survey of American Jewry”

This week on the show we’ll be discussing the Lost Tribes of Israel: How they came to disappear, and where they could possibly be. In learning about how the tribes initially separated, it may be helpful to review these maps. This is the original allotment of land to the 12 tribes, which largely persisted throughoutContinue reading “The Lost Tribes: Supplemental Material”

Star Trek fans may enjoy learning more about the Jewish origins of the “Vulcan salute,” a symbol now etched into pop culture history. While known internationally as a greeting for Trekkies and germaphobes, this salutation actually has its roots in an ancient rite performed by the first kohen gadol, Aaron himself. Tune in this weekContinue reading “Live Long and Prosper… for real”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was affected by the tragedy at Mount Meron on Lag BaOmer last week. In times like this, those in the diaspora may feel especially helpless regarding their fellow Jews on the other side of the world. While prayer always helps, some also want to contribute financiallyContinue reading “Lending a Helping Hand”

This week on the show we’ll be discussing the role of belief in Judaism, guided by the Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith. The 13 Principles are the most popular statement of Jewish faith ever conceived, but have not been without controversy. We’ll discuss why on the show. In the meantime, if you want to readContinue reading “Principles of Faith”

This week on the show we’ll be discussing the commandment to honor our parents. One of the difficult parts of keeping this mitzvah is finding ways to honor parents who are, quite frankly, just bad at parenting. While we will discuss this on the show, Rabbi Manis Friedman has also put out a good videoContinue reading “Honoring Our Parents”

The season of Pesach is upon us, and this week we’ll look at one of the most enduring symbols of the holiday. Much is made of the lamb and the use of its blood in the Passover story. But what’s the point of it all? Is this just one of these weird Bible stories thatContinue reading “The Passover Lamb”