In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Lech Lecha" from Genesis 12, which introduces Abraham. Unlike Noah, Abraham's background and reasons for God's favor are minimally detailed in the text, though expanded upon in the Midrash.

Rabbi Brackman highlights the theme of journeying in Abraham's life, noting that he embarks on seven distinct journeys—including leaving his homeland at God's command, traveling to Egypt due to famine, and returning to Canaan. These journeys often repeat in the text, prompting deeper examination of subtle differences.

Throughout these travels, Abraham experiences five divine encounters. Initially, God speaks without formal introduction, but later identifies Himself as "the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans" and "El Shaddai." This progression mirrors Abraham's deepening understanding of God through his life's journey. Each encounter reinforces promises about the land of Canaan and Abraham's innumerable descendants, comparing them to the dust of the earth and the stars in the sky.

The episode also explores how Abraham acquires wealth. While Pharaoh gives him livestock and servants in Egypt, Abraham returns to Canaan rich in gold and silver—possibly through trade, although the text is not explicit. This contrasts with a later event where Abraham refuses spoils from the king of Sodom, indicating his complex relationship with wealth and ethical considerations.

Rabbi Brackman reflects on the narrative's seemingly disjointed nature, suggesting it mirrors life's complexities. Abraham's life is filled with challenges—famine, familial strife, moral dilemmas—illustrating that the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. The recurring themes of journeying and divine communication underscore the importance of faith and perseverance. Despite setbacks, Abraham follows God's guidance toward the fulfillment of divine promises.

In conclusion, Rabbi Brackman interprets "Lech Lecha" as a reflection on life's complexities and the importance of steadfast faith. Abraham's experiences teach that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, remaining committed to one's spiritual path leads to fulfillment and the realization of greater promises. The episode invites listeners to embrace life's uncertainties while holding onto guiding principles.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.

In this episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Noah, focusing on scholarly interpretations and anomalies within the biblical narrative of the Flood. He begins by acknowledging that while traditional commentaries often address specific questions, they may not consider the broader inconsistencies that academic biblical scholars highlight.

Rabbi Brackman notes that scholars point out anomalies suggesting the presence of two distinct flood narratives merged into one. Examples include discrepancies in the number of animals taken into the ark—sometimes mentioned as pairs of two, other times as groups of seven—and variations in the duration of the flood. Additionally, the use of different names for God ("Yud-Key-Vav-Key" or the Tetragrammaton, and "Elohim") in different sections supports this theory.

He delves into the textual analysis, emphasizing that in one account, God observes the wickedness of humanity and regrets creating man, deciding to erase mankind from the earth. In this version, the focus is on the evil inclinations of humans. In the other account, God notices the corruption of the earth itself due to all flesh being corrupted, including animals. Here, God plans to destroy the earth to eliminate this widespread corruption.

A pivotal point in the narrative is when Noah finds favor in the eyes of God. Rabbi Brackman highlights that this single righteous individual changes God's approach. Instead of destroying all of humanity, God decides to save Noah and his family, using them to rebuild after the flood. This shift underscores the impact one good person can have on the fate of the world.

Rabbi Brackman concludes by reflecting on the moral lessons of the story. He emphasizes the importance of good people standing up and being counted, as their righteousness can make the human endeavor worthwhile. The narrative teaches that the presence of even a single virtuous person can sway divine judgment and offers hope for humanity's potential for goodness.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.

In his podcast on the Torah portion of Bereshit (Genesis), Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores a lesser-known aspect of the creation narratives. He examines Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make human in our image, according to our likeness," and notes that God created humans "male and female." This suggests both genders were created simultaneously in God's image, raising questions about the nature of God and gender equality in the divine plan.

Moving to Genesis chapter 2, Rabbi Brackman highlights a different sequence. Here, God forms man from dust and breathes life into him. Seeing that "it is not good for man to be alone," God decides to create a helper. After Adam names all the animals but finds no suitable companion, God causes a deep sleep, takes one of his sides (often translated as "ribs"), and fashions it into a woman. Adam declares her "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh," implying woman is derived from man and may not share the divine image in the same way.

Rabbi Brackman notes the anomaly between the two chapters: the first depicts man and woman created together in God's image, while the second portrays woman as an afterthought to alleviate man's loneliness. This raises the question of whether the divine image includes both genders or is initially solely male.

Setting aside critical theories like the Documentary Hypothesis, he delves into Genesis 6:1-4, where the "sons of God" see that the daughters of humans are beautiful and take them as wives. This introduces the mysterious "sons of God" (b'nei elohim) and the "Nephilim" or "fallen ones."

Traditional commentaries like Rashi interpret the "sons of God" as powerful human leaders abusing authority. However, Rabbi Brackman explores a Midrashic interpretation, supported by Ramban and hinted at by Maimonides, identifying the "sons of God" as angels attracted to human women. Without female counterparts in heaven, these angels descend, assume physical forms, and marry human women.

Their union results in the Nephilim, "mighty men of old, men of renown," with extraordinary abilities due to their mixed heritage. Their existence increases wickedness on earth. Concerned, God limits human lifespan to 120 years to curb their influence.

Rabbi Brackman observes that God limiting human power recurs in Genesis, such as expelling Adam and Eve to prevent immortality. Despite the Flood intended to cleanse corruption, some beings like Og, "the refugee from the flood," survive. Their descendants become formidable inhabitants of the land destined for Israel.

When the Israelites approach the Promised Land, spies report encountering giants descended from the Nephilim. Overwhelmed, they feel like grasshoppers, leading to hesitation and disobedience.

Rabbi Brackman suggests that part of the Israelites' mission is to eliminate these angel-human hybrids posing moral and spiritual threats. Confronting them is daunting but necessary to restore balance.

He acknowledges this interpretation raises complex theological issues about angels, the divine image, and women's role. The idea of angels cohabiting with humans challenges traditional views of spiritual beings.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.