The Avrum Rosensweig Show

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.

AGNON VS. SHAKESPEARE: A RIVETTING TALK WITH HOLLYWOOD WRITER, DAN GORDON & RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA (Audio)

Both Shai Agnon and William Shakespeare are celebrated literary figures, yet their works reflect distinctive cultural and historical contexts that shape their writing. Shakespeare, writing in Elizabethan England, is known for his exploration of universal themes such as love, power, and the human condition through complex characters and intricate plots, often employing poetic language and verse. His works, including tragedies like Hamlet and comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, delve deeply into psychological and social dynamics. On the other hand, Agnon, a 20th-century Israeli writer, blends modernist techniques with Jewish folklore and history, often using a more introspective, symbolic, and sometimes fragmented narrative style. Agnon's writing, such as in The Bridal Canopy, reflects a tension between tradition and modernity, exploring identity, memory, and the challenges of cultural assimilation. While Shakespeare’s influence spans a global literary tradition, Agnon’s work is more grounded in the context of Jewish identity and the specific challenges of life in early modern Israel. Both writers, however, share a commitment to portraying the complexities of human existence, using their respective cultural lenses to explore similar themes of love, morality, and existential struggle.

AGNON VS. SHAKESPEARE: A RIVETTING TALK WITH HOLLYWOOD WRITER, DAN GORDON & RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA (Audio/Visual)

Both Shai Agnon and William Shakespeare are celebrated literary figures, yet their works reflect distinctive cultural and historical contexts that shape their writing. Shakespeare, writing in Elizabethan England, is known for his exploration of universal themes such as love, power, and the human condition through complex characters and intricate plots, often employing poetic language and verse. His works, including tragedies like Hamlet and comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, delve deeply into psychological and social dynamics. On the other hand, Agnon, a 20th-century Israeli writer, blends modernist techniques with Jewish folklore and history, often using a more introspective, symbolic, and sometimes fragmented narrative style. Agnon's writing, such as in The Bridal Canopy, reflects a tension between tradition and modernity, exploring identity, memory, and the challenges of cultural assimilation. While Shakespeare’s influence spans a global literary tradition, Agnon’s work is more grounded in the context of Jewish identity and the specific challenges of life in early modern Israel. Both writers, however, share a commitment to portraying the complexities of human existence, using their respective cultural lenses to explore similar themes of love, morality, and existential struggle.

PARSHA & PROSE: THE TORAH PORTION OF BESHALACH THROUGH THE LENS OF 'LES MISERABLES' (Audio/Visual)

In Les Misérables, the themes of liberation, redemption, and divine intervention resonate deeply with the story of the Israelites in the Torah portion Beshalach. As the Israelites escape Egypt, they are freed from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, mirroring the struggles of the characters in Hugo's novel who seek freedom from various forms of societal and personal bondage. The dramatic parting of the Red Sea can be seen as a divine act of mercy, reminiscent of moments in Les Misérables where grace transcends justice, such as Jean Valjean's transformation after the bishop’s forgiveness. The song of the Israelites after their crossing, expressing gratitude for God’s deliverance, echoes the redemptive songs of the novel's characters who rise above their suffering through acts of compassion and self-sacrifice. Both the Torah portion and the novel remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is a path to freedom, and it is paved through mercy, faith, and unwavering hope in the face of adversity.

PARSHA & PROSE: THE TORAH PORTION OF BESHALACH THROUGH THE LENS OF 'LES MISERABLES' (Audio)

In Les Misérables, the themes of liberation, redemption, and divine intervention resonate deeply with the story of the Israelites in the Torah portion Beshallach. As the Israelites escape Egypt, they are freed from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, mirroring the struggles of the characters in Hugo's novel who seek freedom from various forms of societal and personal bondage. The dramatic parting of the Red Sea can be seen as a divine act of mercy, reminiscent of moments in Les Misérables where grace transcends justice, such as Jean Valjean's transformation after the bishop’s forgiveness. The song of the Israelites after their crossing, expressing gratitude for God’s deliverance, echoes the redemptive songs of the novel's characters who rise above their suffering through acts of compassion and self-sacrifice. Both the Torah portion and the novel remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is a path to freedom, and it is paved through mercy, faith, and unwavering hope in the face of adversity.

PANEL DISCUSSION: EDUCATING HUMANITY: THE FIGHT AGAINST GENOCIDE THROUGH EDUCATION (Audio/Visual)

Welcome to this episode of 'The Avrum Rosensweig Show', when we delve into a crucial and heart-wrenching topic: Educating Humanity: The Fight Against Genocide Through Education. In this powerful panel discussion, we are joined by three extraordinary voices who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. First, we have Providence Umagwaneza, a Rwandan survivor and author, who shares her personal story of resilience and the pivotal role education played in her journey, while also highlighting how learning about genocide can help prevent future atrocities. Next, Elizabeth Mehren, a distinguished journalist and author, offers her expert insight into the media’s crucial role in shaping awareness and driving action around issues of genocide and human rights. And finally, Tali Nates, the founder of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, brings her wealth of knowledge on the vital work of education in confronting historical violence and ensuring that we remember and learn from the past. Together, these remarkable individuals will explore how teaching about genocide can build a more compassionate and just world, and why education is key to ensuring humanity never forgets the lessons of history.

PANEL DISCUSSION: EDUCATING HUMANITY: THE FIGHT AGAINST GENOCIDE THROUGH EDUCATION (Audio)

Welcome to this episode of 'The Avrum Rosensweig Show', when we delve into a crucial and heart-wrenching topic: Educating Humanity: The Fight Against Genocide Through Education. In this powerful panel discussion, we are joined by three extraordinary voices who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. First, we have Providence Umagwaneza, a Rwandan survivor and author, who shares her personal story of resilience and the pivotal role education played in her journey, while also highlighting how learning about genocide can help prevent future atrocities. Next, Elizabeth Mehren, a distinguished journalist and author, offers her expert insight into the media’s crucial role in shaping awareness and driving action around issues of genocide and human rights. And finally, Tali Nates, the founder of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, brings her wealth of knowledge on the vital work of education in confronting historical violence and ensuring that we remember and learn from the past. Together, these remarkable individuals will explore how teaching about genocide can build a more compassionate and just world, and why education is key to ensuring humanity never forgets the lessons of history.