Lost in the Wilderness

Daniel and Karl reach the end of their own personal Exodus by finishing off Chapter 40 and drinking champagne. Then they reflect on the journey and answer a listener question.

Daniel and Karl are joined by Hattie Koher, a Methodist youth pastor and old college friend of Daniel's for an episode that's all about the ephod. In addition to talking about priestly bling, we also get into a discussions of wealth and religion, the meaning of ordination, and whether its ethical to use blue snails for dye.

Karl and Daniel are joined by Shira Berkowitz of Central Reform Congregation in Saint Louis for a discussion of feminism, justice work, and lots and lots of instructions on how to build the tabernacle!

Karl and Daniel are joined by Cantor Joshua Finkel of Shir Hadesh Reconstructionist Community in Saint Louis. Which is a relief because, frankly, Ch. 37 of Exodus is more tedious repetition of what we've read before. So we spend about ten minutes reading it and the rest of time on the history of the different branches of Judaism (orthodox, conservative, reform, and reconstructionist) and the future of Christianity. Plus, both Daniel and Josh chant the text for us!

The great Robert Alter describes Chapter 36 as the greatest example of extravagant repetition in the entire book of Exodus. That doesn't mean that it can't be fun! Karl and Daniel use this opportunity to talk about repetition in religious life, and about how a call to justice might work in accordance with a pacific spirituality that seeks to hold things lightly.

Is Judaism a religion or a people? What does identity mean, and how many can we have and still be coherent? Is it better to be consumerist or materialist? And what lengths will Daniel go to in order to ensure a good night's sleep? Join us as we dive into all these questions and more in our discussion of Ch. 35 of Exodus!

After a month long hiatus, we return to dig deep into chapter 34 of Exodus.  

This week we finally take a deep dive into Daniel's favorite rabbi, the 12th c. Spanish philosopher Maimonides, also known as Rambam.  Which means that we get super philosophical, talking about God and nature and the limits of human knowledge.  Oh, and also about Moses and ch. 33 of Exodus.  Plus one really terrible butt joke (because we only like to pretend that we're smart).