This week on Madlik, we’re diving into Parashat Vayeshev and exploring the Joseph story through a unique lens. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we unpack this pivotal narrative that bridges Genesis and Exodus.

We’ll be taking a hard look at the uncomfortable truth at the heart of this parasha: human trafficking. It’s not just about Joseph in Egypt – we’re talking about the profound implications of ethnic groups selling their own people into slavery.

We’ll also examine how this story fits into the broader context of biblical literature. Is it a court legend? Wisdom literature? Or something entirely different?

Plus, we’ll discuss how the sale of Joseph has echoed through Jewish tradition, from Yom Kippur liturgy to modern-day rituals. It’s an approach that might break the oppressor/oppressed lense used by so many today.

Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/612024 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/12/19/joseph-slave-trade/

Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QkhOPS54nfc 

From the first chapters of Genesis, when Adam named the animals, naming in the Biblical narrative is a powerful tool which defines destiny. This process reaches a climax with the re-naming of Jacob and the birth of Israel. Although "Israel" is normally translated as "struggling with God" we explore other meanings that align more powerfully with the metamorphosis that Yaakov experiences. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the nuances of this name Israel, that until today defines and inspires the Jewish People and their land.

Sefaria source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/610333

Transcript: https://madlik.com/2024/12/13/what-israel-means/ 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xQt2m7poFCE 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz for another week of Madlik Disruptive Torah. We explore the biblical narratives surrounding Jacob and Abraham, the sanctity of places in the Ancient Near East and Jewish tradition, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions about Jerusalem. The conversation highlights the deep connections between history, identity, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of understanding the layers of meaning associated with sacred sites.

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/608262

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/12/05/scaling-the-temple-mount/ 

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RHv0rHLtqXs 

Are we defined by our names or by the stories we tell? We explore Parashat Toldot, diving into the intricate relationships between the Philistines and ancient Israelites "up until today." Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in a conversation that highlights the melting pot of cultures in ancient Israel. We reveal that the Philistines, like the Hittites and Hebrews, were newcomers to the land and for the most part contributed culturally and integrated well. When friction arose, they willingly separated and made agreements that showcased mutual recognition and trust. In a week that the 2024 cease fire between Israel and Lebanon is consummated and we in the US celebrate Thanksgiving we wonder what lessens from the past we can take to guide us in these challenging times.

Check out the Sefaria Source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/606744 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/28/the-philistinians-and-the-israelites/ 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cbPen_DRgmo 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz discussing the weekly Torah portion. What happens when ancient narratives of trauma echo through generations? This episode of "Madlik Disruptive Torah" delves into the parsha Chayei Sara, exploring the post-traumatic impact of the attempted sacrifice of Isaac. Through the lens of Jewish, Islamic and contemporary literature, we examine the emotional and familial fallout experienced by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael. They pose intriguing questions: Did Abraham and Sarah live apart after the Akedah? Where did Isaac go after the attempted sacrifice by his father and how did he relate to his half-brother Ishmael and step-mother Hagar? How did Isaac's near-sacrifice shape his life? The discussion weaves historical context with contemporary reflections, drawing parallels to modern-day conflicts and shared traumas.

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/605334 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/21/the-day-after/

View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jf-oCqMqbco 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the intriguing theological debate where Abraham challenges God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unlike typical moral or ethical arguments, Abraham's stance is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's nature. He questions whether it would be Godlike to act in a manner that contradicts his perception of the divine. Profaning God's name is a major them in the Torah but in this first instance, it is God Himself who is accused of the crime. Come and learn!

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/603675 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/14/god-forbid/ 

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/RMPRRuil5lY 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in [location] on [date]. What does it mean to leave everything behind and embark on a journey of faith? This episode of "Madlik" delves into the Torah portion Lech Lecha, exploring Abraham's radical departure from his homeland and the birth of monotheism.

- Discover how Abraham's journey is not just a physical one but a profound internal quest for meaning and connection.

- Examine the midrashic interpretations that paint Abraham as a rebel, challenging the status quo and seeking a universal God.

- Consider the contemporary relevance of Abraham's story in a world where chaos and division often prevail.

Explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Abraham's journey... and ponder what it means for us today.

For more insights, see the Sefaria Source Sheet (link below) and access the episode transcript. Recorded live on Clubhouse, this discussion invites you to reflect on the enduring question: What do we find when we truly leave everything behind?

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/602012 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/07/radical-disruption-and-the-birth-of-faith/ 

Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ud7D7ZWMnMI 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in conversation regarding the weekly Torah portion. What happens when language becomes both a bridge and a barrier? In this episode of the "Madlik Disruptive Torah Podcast," the duo delves into Parashat Noah, exploring the Tower of Babel's tale and its implications on linguistic diversity. They unravel how the division of languages shaped rabbinic texts and Jewish tradition, posing questions about unity and communication. Discover how ancient narratives explain modern phenomena, and consider the power of translation in preserving and transforming sacred texts. Is the multiplicity of languages a divine gift or a source of chaos?

Explore the Sefaria source sheet www.sefaria.org/sheets/599916 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/31/words-without-borders/ 

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KtJ-aPx1Kfc?si=zNV9Fdfj6lT_UCSA 

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as they explore the creation myth. There are those who would have us believe that in Creation, God made unity from chaos and that the Torah’s end game is to find that unity, tikkun and nirvana once again. We explore an alternative, counterfactual approach, where God created through division and with a goal of creating a world where divisions are emphasized, managed but definitely not erased.

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/598674 

Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/24/splitting-the-adam/ 

At sunset the holiday of Sukkot begins and we leave the security of our homes and dwell in the temporary booths of farmers.  In previous episodes we have focused on what makes this falling dwelling so permanent and eternal, but this year, in the shadow of Oct 7th we focus on the darker side of these exposed dwellings. We also explore the potential of the sukkah and the Jewish People to rise from the ashes like the Phoenix.

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/597045 

Transcripton episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/16/the-sukkah-will-rise-again/ 

While I considered writing a sermon for this Yom Kippur I listened to the Madlik Sermon given a week before October 7th 2023. So much of what concerned me, even terrified me, came to fruition that I decided to re-broadcast. Maybe next week as we approach the anniversay of last year's dreadful Simchat Torah we can discuss further the concept of סֻכַּת הַנּוֹפֶלֶת; "the falling Sukkah" but for now, let's try to learn the lesson of Yom Kippur 1973 and 2023. Hatima Tova for all of us.

Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/513577 

Episode web page: https://madlik.com/2023/09/26/the-yom-kippur-sermon-i-wanted-to-hear/