The Avrum Rosensweig Show

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA & AVRUM ROSENSWEIG: VAERA & 'EXODUS' BY LEON URIS (Audio/Visual)

In PARSHA & PROSE, Rabbi Gemara and Avrum, discuss the Torah portion of Va'era, and its narrative that centers on God's reaffirmation of His covenant with the Israelites and the beginning of Moses' mission to confront Pharaoh, setting the stage for the dramatic liberation from Egypt. Through the lens of Leon Uris’ novel Exodus, this portion takes on a more expansive and humanistic dimension. Uris delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly Ari Ben Canaan, who grapples with his own identity and divine mission. The novel's portrayal of Ben Canaans' doubts mirrors the themes of faith, perseverance, and the longing for freedom found in Va'era. Uris illustrates the tension between divine destiny and human agency, emphasizing that while the Israelites’ liberation is divinely ordained, it is also shaped by the courage and resolve of individuals. This duality, highlighted in the Torah text and brought to life in Uris’ narrative, underscores the complexities of divine intervention and the human spirit in the face of oppression. In SHIVIM PANIM, the beginning segment of PARSHA AND PROSE, Rabbi Gemara and Avrum schmooze about: a) the 'Brisker way' in learning, b) former Israeli Hostage, the very erudite and spiritual, Sapir Cohen, c) and the sensitivity of Judaism toward courts and convicted defendants.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA & AVRUM ROSENSWEIG: VAERA & 'EXODUS' BY LEON URIS (Audio)

In PARSHA & PROSE, Rabbi Gemara and Avrum, discuss the Torah portion of Va'era, and its narrative that centers on God's reaffirmation of His covenant with the Israelites and the beginning of Moses' mission to confront Pharaoh, setting the stage for the dramatic liberation from Egypt. Through the lens of Leon Uris’ novel Exodus, this portion takes on a more expansive and humanistic dimension. Uris delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly Ari Ben Canaan, who grapples with his own identity and divine mission. The novel's portrayal of Ben Canaans' doubts mirrors the themes of faith, perseverance, and the longing for freedom found in Va'era. Uris illustrates the tension between divine destiny and human agency, emphasizing that while the Israelites’ liberation is divinely ordained, it is also shaped by the courage and resolve of individuals. This duality, highlighted in the Torah text and brought to life in Uris’ narrative, underscores the complexities of divine intervention and the human spirit in the face of oppression. In SHIVIM PANIM, the beginning segment of PARSHA AND PROSE, Rabbi Gemara and Avrum schmooze about: a) the 'Brisker way' in learning, b) former Israeli Hostage, the very erudite and spiritual, Sapir Cohen, c) and the sensitivity of Judaism toward courts and convicted defendants.

NIR MAMAN, 48-YEAR-OLD IDF RESERVIST, IN WASHINGTON AS MEMBER OF SECURITY DETAIL AT INAUGURATION (Audio/Visual)

n to this very insightful interview with Nir Maman, 48-year-old IDF reservist, based in Toronto, who has been deployed to fight in Gaza and the West Bank, five times, since October 7th. In this interview, Nir is in DC preparing to protect the incoming president of the United States, Donald Trump, during the inauguration. You'll hear this father of five thoughts: on today's return of three Israeli hostages; how he arrived at playing a significant role in guarding the president during the inauguration and the support he and the IDF receive from his security colleagues throughout the United States. (There are some technical problems with my voice. We apologize for that). Am Yisrael Chai.

NIR MAMAN, 48-YEAR-OLD IDF RESERVIST, IN WASHINGTON AS MEMBER OF SECURITY DETAIL AT INAUGURATION (Audio)

Listen to this very insightful interview with Nir Maman, 48-year-old IDF reservist, based in Toronto, who has been deployed to fight in Gaza and the West Bank, five times, since October 7th. In this interview, Nir is in DC preparing to protect the incoming president of the United States, Donald Trump, during the inauguration. You'll hear this father of five thoughts: on today's return of three Israeli hostages; how he arrived at playing a significant role in guarding the president during the inauguration and the support he and the IDF receive from his security colleagues throughout the United States. (There are some technical problems with my voice. We apologize for that). Am Yisrael Chai.

PARSHA & PROSE: TORAH PORTION, SHEMOTH THROUGH THE LENS OF MARK TWAIN'S 'THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER' (Audio)

💠 In this episode of 'Parsha and Prose', Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig discuss the Torah portion Shemoth (Exodus), we witness the transformation of Moses from a prince in Pharaoh’s court to a reluctant leader of the oppressed Israelites, paralleling the classic themes of The Prince and the Pauper. In Mark Twain’s tale, the two protagonists swap lives, experiencing vastly different worlds—one of privilege and the other of hardship. Similarly, Moses begins as a privileged figure, raised in the wealth and security of the Egyptian royal family, yet his identity as a Hebrew and his growing empathy for the suffering of his people lead him to renounce his royal status. Like the pauper in Twain’s story, Moses enters the world of his oppressed kin, where he must fight for justice and lead them to freedom, navigating the harsh realities of enslavement and political struggle. The contrast between Moses’ early life of comfort and his later mission to deliver his people mirrors the dramatic change in perspective that comes when Edward and Tom, in 'The Prince and the Pauper' one steps into the shoes of the downtrodden, bringing forth themes of social justice, identity, and responsibility.

✅ PARSHA & PROSE: TORAH PORTION, SHEMOTH THROUGH THE LENS OF MARK TWAIN'S 'THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER' (Audio/Visual)‬

In this episode of 'Parsha and Prose', Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig discuss the Torah portion Shemoth (Exodus), we witness the transformation of Moses from a prince in Pharaoh’s court to a reluctant leader of the oppressed Israelites, paralleling the classic themes of The Prince and the Pauper. In Mark Twain’s tale, the two protagonists swap lives, experiencing vastly different worlds—one of privilege and the other of hardship. Similarly, Moses begins as a privileged figure, raised in the wealth and security of the Egyptian royal family, yet his identity as a Hebrew and his growing empathy for the suffering of his people lead him to renounce his royal status. Like the pauper in Twain’s story, Moses enters the world of his oppressed kin, where he must fight for justice and lead them to freedom, navigating the harsh realities of enslavement and political struggle. The contrast between Moses’ early life of comfort and his later mission to deliver his people mirrors the dramatic change in perspective that comes when Edward and Tom, in 'The Prince and the Pauper' one steps into the shoes of the downtrodden, bringing forth themes of social justice, identity, and responsibility.

RAV YONI ROSENSWEIG, A PIONEER ON JEWISH LAW AND MENTAL HEALTH (Audio)

Rav Yoni Rosensweig is rabbi of the Netzach Menashe community in Beit Shemesh and is a renowned teacher of Halakha, Gemara and Jewish thought. From 2006-2009 he served as Rosh Kollel of the Mizrahi community in Melbourne, Australia. Upon his return, he headed Yeshivat Hamivtar, and then became Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Shevut Yisrael in Efrat, a post which he held until 2016. He currently teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. Rav Yoni has semikha from Rav Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch and from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and degrees in education, philosophy and history. He is the author of “Yishrei Lev,” a three-volume responsa on different halakhic questions, and of “Conversations in Essence,” in which he engages in imaginary dialogue with great Jewish thinkers from the past. Rabbi Rosensweig is the author of several books including the recent Nafshi Beshe’elati on Jewish law and mental health. In this interview we will mostly focus on halacha and its flexibility having to do with mental health.

RAV YONI ROSENSWEIG, A PIONEER ON JEWISH LAW AND MENTAL HEALTH (Audio/Visual)

Rav Yoni Rosensweig is rabbi of the Netzach Menashe community in Beit Shemesh and is a renowned teacher of Halakha, Gemara and Jewish thought. From 2006-2009 he served as Rosh Kollel of the Mizrahi community in Melbourne, Australia. Upon his return, he headed Yeshivat Hamivtar, and then became Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Shevut Yisrael in Efrat, a post which he held until 2016. He currently teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. Rav Yoni has semikha from Rav Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch and from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and degrees in education, philosophy and history. He is the author of “Yishrei Lev,” a three-volume responsa on different halakhic questions, and of “Conversations in Essence,” in which he engages in imaginary dialogue with great Jewish thinkers from the past. Rabbi Rosensweig is the author of several books including the recent Nafshi Beshe’elati on Jewish law and mental health. In this interview we will mostly focus on halacha and its flexibility having to do with mental health.

The Legacy of Dr. Sandy Buchman: A Medical Pioneer (Audio/Visual)

In this episode, we’ll dive into the remarkable career and legacy of Dr. Sandy Buchman, a true legend in the medical world. Dr. Buchman is a renowned palliative care physician and a Professor in the Division of Palliative Care at the University of Toronto. Holding the Freeman Family Chair in Palliative Care, he currently serves as the Medical Director of the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care at North York General Hospital, where he has dedicated his life to improving end-of-life care in both ambulatory and home settings. Over his distinguished career, Dr. Buchman has worked with organizations like the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and the Palliative Care and Education for the Homeless (PEACH) program. His passions extended beyond his clinical work to global health, HIV/AIDS, and primary care cancer care, with volunteer experiences across South America and Africa. A trailblazer in his field, Dr. Buchman is also one of the first doctors to be involved in MAID - Medical Assistance in Dying. He is also the founder and medical lead of a new hospice residence, Neshama, set to open in 2026. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the W. Victor Johnston Award, his leadership in palliative care and family medicine has left an indelible mark on the healthcare community. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Dr. Sandy Buchman and his lasting impact on medicine and compassionate care.

The Legacy of Dr. Sandy Buchman: A Medical Pioneer (Audio)

In this episode, we’ll dive into the remarkable career and legacy of Dr. Sandy Buchman, a true legend in the medical world. Dr. Buchman is a renowned palliative care physician and a Professor in the Division of Palliative Care at the University of Toronto. Holding the Freeman Family Chair in Palliative Care, he currently serves as the Medical Director of the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care at North York General Hospital, where he has dedicated his life to improving end-of-life care in both ambulatory and home settings. Over his distinguished career, Dr. Buchman has worked with organizations like the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and the Palliative Care and Education for the Homeless (PEACH) program. His passions extended beyond his clinical work to global health, HIV/AIDS, and primary care cancer care, with volunteer experiences across South America and Africa. A trailblazer in his field, Dr. Buchman is also one of the first doctors to be involved in MAID - Medical Assistance in Dying. He is also the founder and medical lead of a new hospice residence, Neshama, set to open in 2026. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the W. Victor Johnston Award, his leadership in palliative care and family medicine has left an indelible mark on the healthcare community. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Dr. Sandy Buchman and his lasting impact on medicine and compassionate care.