The Avrum Rosensweig Show

PARSHA & PROSE: CHAYA SARAH & 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' WITH RABBI GEMARA (Audio)

In both the Torah portion Chayei Sarah and the novel Pride and Prejudice, themes of family, marriage, and the role of women in society are explored. In Chayei Sarah, the narrative focuses on the final years of Sarah’s life and the subsequent efforts of Abraham to secure a suitable marriage for his son Isaac. This story highlights the importance of family legacy and the divine guidance in choosing a spouse, as evidenced by the servant’s journey to find Rebecca. Similarly, in Pride and Prejudice, marriage is central to the plot, with Elizabeth Bennet’s relationship with Mr. Darcy being shaped by social expectations, personal values, and family pressures. Both works also reflect societal norms that dictate the roles of women, where Sarah’s legacy is carried through her son, and Elizabeth navigates societal expectations to make her own choices about love and marriage. In each story, the marriages that unfold are not just personal unions but are deeply connected to the wider social and familial structures of their time.

PARSHA & PROSE: CHAYA SARAH & 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' WITH RABBI GEMARA (Audio/Visual)

In both the Torah portion Chayei Sarah and the novel Pride and Prejudice, themes of family, marriage, and the role of women in society are explored. In Chayei Sarah, the narrative focuses on the final years of Sarah’s life and the subsequent efforts of Abraham to secure a suitable marriage for his son Isaac. This story highlights the importance of family legacy and the divine guidance in choosing a spouse, as evidenced by the servant’s journey to find Rebecca. Similarly, in Pride and Prejudice, marriage is central to the plot, with Elizabeth Bennet’s relationship with Mr. Darcy being shaped by social expectations, personal values, and family pressures. Both works also reflect societal norms that dictate the roles of women, where Sarah’s legacy is carried through her son, and Elizabeth navigates societal expectations to make her own choices about love and marriage. In each story, the marriages that unfold are not just personal unions but are deeply connected to the wider social and familial structures of their time.

The Hilarious, Steve Stoliar: Author of 'Raised Eyebrows'. My Years Inside Groucho's House (Audio/Visual)

Steve Stoliar is an author and writer best known for his memoir 'Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho’s House', in which he recounts his fascinating experience living with the legendary comedian Groucho Marx. Stoliar worked as Groucho's personal secretary during the final years of the icon's life, spending three years at the Marx family home. His book offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the aging Groucho, blending humor, affection, and poignancy as Stoliar reflects on the quirks and complexities of living with one of comedy’s greatest minds. Through his stories, Stoliar captures Groucho's sharp wit, his eccentricities, and the bittersweet reality of watching a cultural giant fade away. Raised Eyebrows provides fans with an intimate and very funny glimpse into the private world of a man whose public persona was as brash and irreverent as it was endearing.

 

IDF Givati Brigade Association Chair, Itzhak Levit & Rafael Malyshef, Killed in Gaza & Lived to Tell (Audio)

oin me for this interview with The Givati Brigade Association Chairman, Itzhak Levit and soldier Rafael Malyshev, a sniper in the Brigade. Levit, who has been instrumental in maintaining the legacy and camaraderie within the brigade, shared his thoughts on the importance of preserving the unit's values and supporting its veterans. He highlighted the Association's efforts to foster connections between past and present members, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served are never forgotten. Rafael Malyshev, a current sniper in the brigade, provided a firsthand account of life in the elite unit, discussing the intense training, the mental resilience required in combat situations, the moment he was shot, and the brotherhood formed among the soldiers. His perspective offered a glimpse into the realities faced by modern-day Givati soldiers, shedding light on both the challenges and the pride that come with being part of such a storied military division. Together, their discussion highlighted the enduring spirit of the Givati Brigade and the strong bonds that continue to unite its members across generations.

IDF Givati Brigade Association Chair, Itzhak Levit & Rafael Malyshef, Killed in Gaza & Lived to Tell (Audio/Visual)

oin me for this interview with The Givati Brigade Association Chairman, Itzhak Levit and soldier Rafael Malyshev, a sniper in the Brigade. Levit, who has been instrumental in maintaining the legacy and camaraderie within the brigade, shared his thoughts on the importance of preserving the unit's values and supporting its veterans. He highlighted the Association's efforts to foster connections between past and present members, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served are never forgotten. Rafael Malyshev, a current sniper in the brigade, provided a firsthand account of life in the elite unit, discussing the intense training, the mental resilience required in combat situations, the moment he was shot, and the brotherhood formed among the soldiers. His perspective offered a glimpse into the realities faced by modern-day Givati soldiers, shedding light on both the challenges and the pride that come with being part of such a storied military division. Together, their discussion highlighted the enduring spirit of the Givati Brigade and the strong bonds that continue to unite its members across generations.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: Parshat Vayera & 'The Brothers Karamazov' (AUDIO/VISUAL)

In The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky explores the complexities of faith, doubt, and human suffering, themes that resonate deeply with the Torah portion Vayera. This parsha, which includes God's covenant with Abraham, the binding of Isaac, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, delves into questions of divine justice, mercy, and the challenges of belief in a world rife with moral ambiguity. Abraham's struggle with God's command to sacrifice Isaac mirrors the spiritual torment faced by Dostoevsky's characters, particularly Ivan Karamazov, who questions a God that allows innocent suffering. Just as Abraham grapples with the incomprehensible demand of God, Ivan’s rebellion against a world that includes suffering and injustice reflects the existential tension between faith and doubt. The visitation of the angels to Abraham and Sarah in Vayera offers a contrast to Ivan's bleak worldview, pointing to the possibility of divine intervention and grace, yet it is also an invitation to wrestle with the profound mystery of God’s ways—much like the moral and spiritual wrestling that defines Dostoevsky's exploration of human existence. In both the Torah portion and the novel, the search for meaning in suffering leads to a confrontation with the divine that is both transformative and deeply unsettling.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: Parshat Vayera & 'The Brothers Karamazov' (AUDIO)

In The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky explores the complexities of faith, doubt, and human suffering, themes that resonate deeply with the Torah portion Vayera. This parsha, which includes God's covenant with Abraham, the binding of Isaac, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, delves into questions of divine justice, mercy, and the challenges of belief in a world rife with moral ambiguity. Abraham's struggle with God's command to sacrifice Isaac mirrors the spiritual torment faced by Dostoevsky's characters, particularly Ivan Karamazov, who questions a God that allows innocent suffering. Just as Abraham grapples with the incomprehensible demand of God, Ivan’s rebellion against a world that includes suffering and injustice reflects the existential tension between faith and doubt. The visitation of the angels to Abraham and Sarah in Vayera offers a contrast to Ivan's bleak worldview, pointing to the possibility of divine intervention and grace, yet it is also an invitation to wrestle with the profound mystery of God’s ways—much like the moral and spiritual wrestling that defines Dostoevsky's exploration of human existence. In both the Torah portion and the novel, the search for meaning in suffering leads to a confrontation with the divine that is both transformative and deeply unsettling.

NIR MAMAN: An Interview with a 48 Year-old IDF Soldier Trained to Be Caring & to Respond to Violence (Audio)

In this very intimate talk with IDF soldier, husband and father of five, Nir Maman, 48, you'll hear his thoughts and feelings about the training he went through to fight evil and protect the innocent. You'll be privy to Nir's story about recently being called to protect the president of the United States at the upcoming inauguration ceremonies and events; you'll get insight into the mind of a soldier facing fear and the bad guys. An added bonus: listen at the end of the interview when Nir shares the news, about signing on the dotted line, to have a movie made about him. Very cool!!!

NIR MAMAN: An Interview with a 48 Year-old IDF Soldier Trained to Be Caring & to Respond to Violence (Audio/Visual)

In this very intimate talk with IDF soldier, husband and father of five, Nir Maman, 48, you'll hear his thoughts and feelings about the training he went through to fight evil and protect the innocent. You'll be privy to Nir's story about recently being called to protect the president of the United States at the upcoming inauguration ceremonies and events; you'll get insight into the mind of a soldier facing fear and the bad guys. An added bonus: listen at the end of the interview when Nir shares the news, about signing on the dotted line, to have a movie made about him. Very cool!!!

ITAY SAGY: IDF Veteran Survives Grenade Explosion; Become Advocate for Israel & The Jewish People (Audio/Visual)

In this episode, I'm sharing the remarkable story of Itay Sagy, a 26 year-old veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, whose life was forever changed by an unimaginable tragedy. Iggy survived a terrorist grenade explosion on October 11th, that left a number of his friends dead, and him severely injured. But his journey didn’t stop there. Against all odds, he not only recovered physically but transformed his pain into purpose, dedicating his life to advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people. Through his work with Beit Halochem Canada, an organization that supports Israeli veterans, Itay has become a powerful voice for resilience, courage, and healing. The road he has taken is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the Jewish people, and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many, especially when they turn personal adversity into a force for positive change.