The Avrum Rosensweig Show

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.

Parsha & Prose with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara: Lech Lecha & The Great Gatsby (Audio)

In Lech Lecha, God commands Abraham to leave his homeland and embark on a journey toward an unknown future, a theme that resonates with the pursuit of self-invention and the promise of reinvention central to The Great Gatsby. Just as Jay Gatsby is driven by his own vision of the American Dream—an aspiration built on a carefully curated persona and the belief that one can transcend past limitations—Abraham’s journey is marked by a sense of yearning for a better future, propelled by faith rather than material ambition. Both Abraham and Gatsby are seekers, with dreams that shape their identities and destinies. Yet, while Gatsby’s pursuit leads to tragedy, Abraham's faith allows him to become a foundational figure for generations to come, symbolizing the difference between a dream built on illusion and one rooted in divine promise. In both stories, the journey is not just physical but existential, exploring the tension between identity, ambition, and the larger forces that shape a life’s purpose. This episode is brought to you by Avrum Rosensweig's Art. See www.avrumrosensweigart.com

Parsha & Prose with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara: Lech Lecha & The Great Gatsby (Audio/Visual)

In Lech Lecha, God commands Abraham to leave his homeland and embark on a journey toward an unknown future, a theme that resonates with the pursuit of self-invention and the promise of reinvention central to The Great Gatsby. Just as Jay Gatsby is driven by his own vision of the American Dream—an aspiration built on a carefully curated persona and the belief that one can transcend past limitations—Abraham’s journey is marked by a sense of yearning for a better future, propelled by faith rather than material ambition. Both Abraham and Gatsby are seekers, with dreams that shape their identities and destinies. Yet, while Gatsby’s pursuit leads to tragedy, Abraham's faith allows him to become a foundational figure for generations to come, symbolizing the difference between a dream built on illusion and one rooted in divine promise. In both stories, the journey is not just physical but existential, exploring the tension between identity, ambition, and the larger forces that shape a life’s purpose. This episode is brought to you by Avrum Rosensweig's Art. See www.avrumrosensweigart.com

Elizabeth Mehren writes about Genocide Survivors who Dance Again (Audio)

Elizabeth Mehren writes in, 'I Lived to Tell the World', about thirteen survivors of genocides, in places like Syria, South Sudan, Rwanda and Cambodia. This wonderfully talented journalist and author, shares with us the terrible tragedy they experienced, including for some, the loss of most of their family. And Elizabeth tells us about their ability to make a home in Oregon, and find a life that is brimming with success and joy. Read this book, not all in one shot, and learn about the awful side of humankind, and the spirited and inspirational side. Once you've completed it, you'll have a better appreciation for the world which we share.

Transcript

Elizabeth Mehren writes about Genocide Survivors who Dance Again (Audio/Visual)

Elizabeth Mehren writes in, 'I Lived to Tell the World', about thirteen survivors of genocides, in places like Syria, South Sudan, Rwanda and Cambodia. This wonderfully talented journalist and author, shares with us the terrible tragedy they experienced, including for some, the loss of most of their family. And Elizabeth tells us about their ability to make a home in Oregon, and find a life that is brimming with success and joy. Read this book, not all in one shot, and learn about the awful side of humankind, and the spirited and inspirational side. Once you've completed it, you'll have a better appreciation for the world we share.

 

The show is brought to you by Avrums art, seen at www.avrumrosensweigart.com