The Avrum Rosensweig Show

PARSHA & PROSE: MISHPATIM THROUGH THE LENS OF 'THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN' WITH RABBI GEMARA (Audio)

The Torah portion of Mishpatim, which is focused on a collection of laws and ethical guidelines for social justice, finds a compelling parallel in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mishpatim offers laws that cover a wide range of societal interactions, from the treatment of slaves to property rights, showing an overarching concern for justice and moral behavior. In Huckleberry Finn, Huck's journey down the Mississippi River represents a moral quest where he grapples with the ethical teachings of society, especially in regard to slavery and his relationship with Jim, a runaway slave. Just as the laws in Mishpatim aim to create a fair and just society, Huck’s internal conflict and ultimate decision to help Jim escape slavery mirrors the Torah’s call for compassion and moral clarity, even when the prevailing societal norms encourage actions that contradict justice. Both the Torah portion and Huck's story ask profound questions about what it means to do what is right, even in the face of societal pressure or injustice.

PARSHA & PROSE: MISHPATIM THROUGH THE LENS OF 'THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN' WITH RABBI GEMARA (Audio/Visual)

The Torah portion of Mishpatim, which is focused on a collection of laws and ethical guidelines for social justice, finds a compelling parallel in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mishpatim offers laws that cover a wide range of societal interactions, from the treatment of slaves to property rights, showing an overarching concern for justice and moral behavior. In Huckleberry Finn, Huck's journey down the Mississippi River represents a moral quest where he grapples with the ethical teachings of society, especially in regard to slavery and his relationship with Jim, a runaway slave. Just as the laws in Mishpatim aim to create a fair and just society, Huck’s internal conflict and ultimate decision to help Jim escape slavery mirrors the Torah’s call for compassion and moral clarity, even when the prevailing societal norms encourage actions that contradict justice. Both the Torah portion and Huck's story ask profound questions about what it means to do what is right, even in the face of societal pressure or injustice.

ALAN SIMONS: AUTHOR, 8 BOOKS, JOURNALIST, PUBLIC SPEAKER, FORMER HONORARY CONSUL OF RWANDA TO CANADA (Audio)

Alan L. Simons was born, raised and educated in London, England, and worked for various newspapers in England as well as served for a number of years in the British Army. Alan immigrated to Canada during the Trudeau era, and resumed his career in the newspaper and magazine field. As a diplomat he served as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Rwanda to Canada from 1999 to 2002. He has lectured and designed courses as well as been a moderator at numerous institutions in the areas of therapeutic management, communications and religion in politics. Currently he is publisher of a respected Internet international news and video service dealing with issues relating to terrorism, intolerance, antisemitism, hate and ethno-centric violence. After living for several years in Amsterdam, he returned to Toronto and is presently working on his eighth book. Simons is also a survivor of colorectal cancer and he speaks about tending to his second love for 18 months, who passed away from breast cancer. Alan is an author, Writer, Social & Allyship Advocate, and a Public Speaker. He is a Member of: Playwrights Guild of Canada, Alliance for Jewish Theatre (AJT), Canadian Children’s Book Centre, PAL Toronto.

ALAN SIMONS: AUTHOR, 8 BOOKS, JOURNALIST, PUBLIC SPEAKER, FORMER HONORARY CONSUL OF RWANDA TO CANADA (Audio/Visual)

Alan L. Simons was born, raised and educated in London, England, and worked for various newspapers in England as well as served for a number of years in the British Army. Alan immigrated to Canada during the Trudeau era, and resumed his career in the newspaper and magazine field. As a diplomat he served as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Rwanda to Canada from 1999 to 2002. He has lectured and designed courses as well as been a moderator at numerous institutions in the areas of therapeutic management, communications and religion in politics. Currently he is publisher of a respected Internet international news and video service dealing with issues relating to terrorism, intolerance, antisemitism, hate and ethno-centric violence. After living for several years in Amsterdam, he returned to Toronto and is presently working on his eighth book. Simons is also a survivor of colorectal cancer and he speaks about tending to his second love for 18 months, who passed away from breast cancer. Alan is an author, Writer, Social & Allyship Advocate, and a Public Speaker. He is a Member of: Playwrights Guild of Canada, Alliance for Jewish Theatre (AJT), Canadian Children’s Book Centre, PAL Toronto.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, 20 YEAR-OLD ZIMBABWEAN TWINS, CONJOINED AT BIRTH, LEARN ABOUT BEING SEPERATED! (Audio)

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Tinashe and Tinotendo, twin brothers born conjoined in late 2004 in Zimbabwe. Their story took a remarkable turn when, through the efforts of Ve'ahavta, a Canadian Jewish humanitarian organization, The Salvation Army, Dr. Michael Silverman and Dr. Rachel Spitzer, the conjoined babies were brought to Toronto, Canada and underwent a successful five-hour surgery at SickKids Hospital, where they were separated and given the chance to live independent lives. Now, at twenty years old, Tinashe and Tinotendo sit down with us to hear about their experiences for the first time, and talk about their bond, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives since that transformative surgery. This is a conversation about resilience, hope, and the incredible power of medical innovation and human compassion. Tinashe and Tinotendo do not speak English, so Padrina Thistle, a nurse and wife of Dr. Paul Thistle, translated, beautifully.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, 20 YEAR-OLD ZIMBABWEAN TWINS, CONJOINED AT BIRTH, LEARN ABOUT BEING SEPERATED! (Audio/Visual)

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Tinashe and Tinotendo, twin brothers born conjoined in late 2004 in Zimbabwe. Their story took a remarkable turn when, through the efforts of Ve'ahavta, a Canadian Jewish humanitarian organization, The Salvation Army, Dr. Michael Silverman and Dr. Rachel Spitzer, the conjoined babies were brought to Toronto, Canada and underwent a successful five-hour surgery at SickKids Hospital, where they were separated and given the chance to live independent lives. Now, at twenty years old, Tinashe and Tinotendo sit down with us to hear about their experiences for the first time, and talk about their bond, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives since that transformative surgery. This is a conversation about resilience, hope, and the incredible power of medical innovation and human compassion. Tinashe and Tinotendo do not speak English, so Padrina Thistle, a nurse and wife of Dr. Paul Thistle, translated, beautifully.

PARSHA & PROSE: YITRO AND 'THE CAINE MUTINY' WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA (Audio)

The Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) introduces key themes such as the Jewish people at Sinai and the accepting of the ten commandments, leadership, authority, the importance of law, which resonates with the conflict at the heart of The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. In Yitro, Moses, overwhelmed by the responsibility of judging the Israelites alone, learns from his father-in-law, Yitro, that effective leadership involves delegating authority to trusted individuals to avoid burnout and ensure justice is served. This lesson mirrors the dynamic between Lieutenant Commander Queeg and his subordinates aboard the USS Caine, where Queeg's inability to delegate and his erratic behavior lead to a breakdown in command. In both the Torah portion and the novel, the proper exercise of power and trust in leadership is central to maintaining order. Additionally, both works explore the consequences of misguided authority—while Moses’ willingness to accept guidance fosters harmony and fairness, Queeg’s refusal to listen to his crew results in a tense mutiny, highlighting the dangers of authoritarianism when leaders fail to recognize their limitations.

PARSHA & PROSE: YITRO AND 'THE CAINE MUTINY' WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA (Audio/Visual)

The Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) introduces key themes such as the Jewish people at Sinai and the accepting of the ten commandments, leadership, authority, the importance of law, which resonates with the conflict at the heart of The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. In Yitro, Moses, overwhelmed by the responsibility of judging the Israelites alone, learns from his father-in-law, Yitro, that effective leadership involves delegating authority to trusted individuals to avoid burnout and ensure justice is served. This lesson mirrors the dynamic between Lieutenant Commander Queeg and his subordinates aboard the USS Caine, where Queeg's inability to delegate and his erratic behavior lead to a breakdown in command. In both the Torah portion and the novel, the proper exercise of power and trust in leadership is central to maintaining order. Additionally, both works explore the consequences of misguided authority—while Moses’ willingness to accept guidance fosters harmony and fairness, Queeg’s refusal to listen to his crew results in a tense mutiny, highlighting the dangers of authoritarianism when leaders fail to recognize their limitations.

DAVID HOROVITZ: THE FOUNDING EDITOR OF 'THE TIMES OF ISRAEL' (Audio)

David Horovitz is a prominent Israeli journalist and the founding editor of The Times of Israel, an English-language online news platform launched in 2012. Before establishing the site, Horovitz had an extensive career in journalism, holding senior editorial positions, most notably as the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his insightful reporting on Israeli politics, Middle Eastern affairs, and global issues. Horovitz's work blends in-depth analysis with a commitment to objective journalism, making The Times of Israel a respected source for news on Israel and the Jewish world. His leadership in the digital news space has been instrumental in shaping modern journalism in Israel, providing a platform for diverse perspectives and coverage.

DAVID HOROVITZ: THE FOUNDING EDITOR OF 'THE TIMES OF ISRAEL' (Audio/Visual)

David Horovitz is a prominent Israeli journalist and the founding editor of The Times of Israel, an English-language online news platform launched in 2012. Before establishing the site, Horovitz had an extensive career in journalism, holding senior editorial positions, most notably as the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his insightful reporting on Israeli politics, Middle Eastern affairs, and global issues. Horovitz's work blends in-depth analysis with a commitment to objective journalism, making The Times of Israel a respected source for news on Israel and the Jewish world. His leadership in the digital news space has been instrumental in shaping modern journalism in Israel, providing a platform for diverse perspectives and coverage.