Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny

Introduction

In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the question of what is more critical, Jewish peoplehood or Jewish law? The Wilderness census will send us to a discussion opened by Rav Soloveitchik regarding the two foundational pillars of Jewish existence: Camp and Congregation, Fate and Destiny, Egypt Sinai, Jewish survival and Jewish meaning. We shall also have some time to reflect on Jerusalem Day which we celebrate this week.

Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad@pardes.org.il.

Credits
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Alex Israel

Rabbi Alex Israel teaches Bible at Pardes. Born and raised in London, he holds degrees from London School of Economics, the Institute of Education London and Bar-Ilan University. Alex studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion under Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Rav Yehudah Amital, and gained Rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Rabbinate.

Alex has taught for twenty years in many top Jerusalem Yeshivot and Midrashot. He is also a volunteer for Tzohar, a group that seeks to bridge the gaps between religious and secular communities In Israel. Alex lives with his wife and 4 children in Gush Etzion.