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In this week's episode, Modya and David's method for exploring the Torah portion through the lens of a specific character trait lands them on Chukat (Num. 19:1-22:1) through the lens of Silence. In Chukat (spoiler alert), a lot happens: the law of the red heifer is expounded, Miriam and Aaron pass on, and Moses's exasperation with the people leads him to act in a way that causes God to forbid him to enter the Promised Land. The hosts explore how restraint in speech and action -- or lack thereof -- can lead to cascading consequences, and to an alienation of people from each other, and from the people to their God. Thanks for listening!
Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.