In The Beginning

ITB Pirkei Avot 2:4 Hillel

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:26:00 +0300

The best-known of the rabbis from 2,000 years ago had surprising and cautionary words to say about being a good person. Was he responding to "bad" role models. How does Hillel differ from leaders of theocracies in our day? And why does Hillel deserve to have institutions named for him in modern times?

ITB Pirkei Avot 2:4 Relationship with God

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:23:00 +0300

Rabban Gamliel taught us 2,000 years ago that a personal relationship with God, one of mutual consideration, was crucial

ITB Pirkei Avot 2:3 Authority

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:42:00 +0300

A surprising nugget of advice regarding authority figures... and written by the top authority 2,000 years ago.

ITB Comforting the Mourner

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:58:00 +0300

Hamakom yenakhem etekhem betokh shaar avelay tziyon viyerushalayim

May the Omnipresent comfort you amoungthe rest of the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

ITB Pirkei Avot 2:2 Torah and a career

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:46:00 +0300

Not the "holy man" on the mountain... a holy life is a balance of Torah study and career

ITB Pirkei Avot 2:1 In Memory of our Zaida Joel z"l

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:44:00 +0300

Today is the Yahrzeit (the anniversary of the passing) of Rabbi Joel Teich z"l - our Zaida (grandfather). This conversation is in honour of his legacy. Link to study text.

ITB Pirkei Avot Hanukkah 2025

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:21:00 +0300

Stories and insights for Hanukkah. Guests: Leah and Zohar Bowman

ITB Pirkei Avot Special Edition: Hasidüt

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:54:00 +0300

A revolutionary idea!

ITB Pirkei Avot 1:18 Three Things

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:29:00 +0300

Guidance for a world that is out of balance

ITB Pirkei Avot 1:17 The Sound of Silence

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:38:00 +0300

Here's a rabbi who grew up amongst great teachers, and his message is... "silence"

ITB Pirkei Avot 1:16 Get yourself a Rabbi!

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:26:00 +0300

Words of wisdom from a Jewish leader in a new global geo-political shift... 2,000 years ago!

Pirkei Avot 1:15 Less Talk, More Action

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:23:00 +0300

Rabbi Shamai is known for his strict and orderly rulings. And yet, this teaching seems so friendly! Click here to view the original text.

Pirkei Avot 1:14 East meets West

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:05:00 +0300

The classic teaching from Rabbi Hillel. We do a deep dive into the lessons for life. Balancing the inner self with the outer group. When to plan and when to act?

Here's the song Magnificence, performed by The Stadlin Twins.

ITB Pirkei Avot 1:13 Reputation

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:23:00 +0300

What is the value of one's reputation. Actually, it can impact the next world! Crowns on Hebrew letters. Click here. For seminars, click here.

Pirkei Avot 1:12 Lover of Peace

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:38:00 +0300

Hillel and Shammai - the famous Torah study partners - and their timeless teaching about Aaron (the Cohen HaGadol, High Priest)

Pirkei Avot: Dangerous Waters and Turning 62

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:14:00 +0300

Chapter 1:11 A post-wedding conversation that connects Shmuel's thoughts on turning 62 with the words of the ancient sages and the images of water

Pirkei Avot - Wedding Special

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:34:00 +0300

Yoav Netanel and Yonina are getting married this coming Monday (May 26th)!! Join in on our conversation about the spiritual preparation ahead of the big day.

Pirkei Avot - Maalot-Tarshiha

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:54:00 +0300

At the very northern edge of Israel, the town of Maalot-Tarshiha sits overlooking the Galilee. The warmth of the people, the spectacular scenery, and the wisdom from Rabbi Weizman make Maalot a destination for Israelis and tourists.

Iris Haski owns and operates a guest house in Maalot. For more information or to book accommodations, click here: https://www.booking.com/Share-FNh9K1 or call (or WhatsApp) Iris at +972545826682 and mention that you heard about her guest house from Shmuel Bowman.

Pirkei Avot - the love and humility of our work

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:56:00 +0300

Wisdom for achieving real job satisfaction, and warnings about insincere fame

Pirkei Avot - Hanukkah

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:54:00 +0300

Deep dive into the wisdom of Hanukkah, with nostalgic "favourite Hanukkah memories"

Pirkei Avot - Witnesses

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:20:00 +0300

We celebrate the "new year" of Hassidut (a revolution in Jewish feeling), and do a deep dive into the idea of being a witness - in court and in life.

Pirkei Avot - How to Judge others

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 22:39:00 +0300

The wisdom from 2,000 years ago teach us how to judge others. And the guidance is surprising and welcoming.

Pirkei Avot - Distancing from Evil

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:37:00 +0300

Can hanging out with a bad person cause "bad vibes" in the air?

Pirkei Avot -Teachers and Friends

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:14:00 +0300

"Appoint a rabbi (teacher) and acquire a friend." What does this 2,000 year old riddle actually mean?

Pirkei Avot - Women

Wed, 22 May 2024 23:24:00 +0300

2,000 years ago, and old-fashion perspective regarding women... or perhaps not...

Pirkei Avot - Our House

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:42:00 +0300

Sefaria

Pirkei Avot - Purim Special

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 22:43:00 +0300

Shmuel & Yoav explore the wisdom of our Sages (Pirkei Avot), in loving memory of our Dad and Zaida, Eric Bowman z"l.

https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.3?lang=bi

Pirkei Avot - 3 Things

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:23:00 +0300

Sefaria https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.2?lang=bi

Rabbi Shimon (Simon) the Tzadik gives a recipe for the world to be a better place.

Pirkei Avot - Generations

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 23:00:00 +0300

Shmuel & Yoav explore the wisdom of our Sages (Pirkei Avot), in loving memory of our Dad and Zaida, Eric Bowman z"l.

To follow on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.1?lang=bi

In The Beginning: Hanukkah S5 E4

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:42:00 +0300

The 8th day of Hanukkah was on Friday. But does this mean that the Festival is over for the year?

In The Beginning: Chayei Sarah

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Guest: Yoav Netanel Bowman. The death of Matriarch Sarah teaches us about life.

In The Beginning: Lech Lecha S5

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 01:45:00 +0300

True leadership is about taking a firm position. Abraham showed us how.

In The Beginning: Noah S5

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 01:37:00 +0300

Season 5. And the world is a very different place... but evil has never been welcome here. For truthful news: https://t.me/OLIsraelNews

In The Beginning: Jerusalem Day S4

Thu, 11 May 2023 21:15:00 +0300

Hannah Steynen is Christian Canadian originally from the Netherlands. Her life story and message will inspire and amaze. Hannah talks about the Holocaust, Israel, faith and family in our free-flowing conversation. This Friday is Jerusalem Day - when the eternal capital of the Jewish People was restored as one city in Israel in 1967. Our conversation could not have been better-timed. Enjoy!

In The Beginning: Beresheet S4

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:15:00 +0300

The secret of the eternal life of the Torah is found in the last and the first letters of the Scroll.

In The Beginning: Sukkot S3

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0300

Special Guest: Leah Bean Bowman, Licensed Tour Guide (Israel)

www.israelonlinetours.com

In The Beginning: Rosh Hashana S3

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0300

The story of the shofar at Bergen Belsen Concentration Camp

In The Beginning Elul S3

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 22:45:00 +0300

One month to Rosh Hashana!

In The Beginning: Tisha B'Av S3

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 23:45:00 +0300

The way to replace hate in the world, is by filling the world with love. And the secret to that is by helping another human being without any reward or benefit. Special guest Steve Bean served as a respected and veteran volunteer in one of Michigan's largest Level 1 hospitals. His insights and stories are inspiring.

In The Beginning: Balak S3

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 15:30:00 +0300

3,300 years ago King Balak of Moab hired a professional hitman named Bilam to destroy the Nation of Israel. His words had incredible power, and we recall them every day.

In The Beginning: Shavuot S3

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 13:15:00 +0300

This is the Torah Scribe's Holiday! The Festival of the Giving of the Torah. And the conclusion of the seven weeks of counting.

In The Beginning: BaMidbar S3

Mon, 23 May 2022 01:15:00 +0300

Alef-Bet PDF RESOURCES (sacredscrolls.net)

In The Beginning: Holocaust Remembrance Day S3

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 01:30:00 +0300

I Am A Holocaust Torah - The Story of the Saving of 1,564 Torahs Stolen by the Nazis.

Author: Rabbi Alex J. Goldman. Gefen Publishing House

In The Beginning: Passover S3

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:24:00 +0300

Purging our Chametz

In The Beginning: Purim S3

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 22:45:00 +0300

Alef-Bet RESOURCES (sacredscrolls.net)

In The Beginning: VaYakhi S3

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0300

Genesis 49:29-33

In The Beginning: Hanukkah S3

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 17:19:00 +0300

On Hanukkah, the UN General Assembly denies the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

In The Beginning: Noah S3

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:45:00 +0300

Information that is critical to living on this planet can be found in the most humble and of sources.

In The Beginning: Beresheet S3

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 03:11:00 +0300

Genesis and the Big Bang. Opposing ideas or compatible truths? The secret of Creation has something to do with the Hebrew letters.

In The Beginning: Nitzavim S2

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 23:39:47 +0300

Rosh HaShana and the shofar

In The Beginning: Ki Tova S2

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:06:18 +0300

Truth is often controversial. My sister Minda z"l shook-up a lot of people with her honesty.

In The Beginning: Ki Taytze S2

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:35:35 +0300

Going to war, ethically

In The Beginning: Naso S2

Fri, 21 May 2021 12:29:50 +0300

The most sacred place in the Torah (besides Jerusalem)

In The Beginning: BaMidbar S2

Fri, 14 May 2021 14:45:45 +0300

An example of truthful reporting. Refreshing for us in a world of widespread false information

In The Beginning: Behar & Jerusalem Day S2

Fri, 07 May 2021 13:14:04 +0300

The sanctity of the Land of Israel & a Jerusalem Day story

In The Beginning: Emor S2

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:59:18 +0300

Eye for an Eye.

ITB: Acharei Mot S2

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 12:12:28 +0300

The Goat, the sins of a People, and 2 Important Court Trials

In The Beginning: Independence Day S2

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:13:32 +0300

Guest: Meital Bowman, Israel National Service, Aliyah Program

In The Beginning: Yom HaShoah S2

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 23:49:25 +0300

Two Torah Scrolls from Germany rescued from hiding and brought to Israel. Who cradled them before they were sent into hiding? What is their story?

In The Beginning: Vayikra S2

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:32:57 +0300

2,000 years ago, Jews escaped Roman tyranny and fled to the desert. Guess which book they took with them?

In The Beginning: Purim S2

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:01:33 +0300

Purim and the Nazi War Crimes Trial

In The Beginning: Trumah S2

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:56:41 +0300

The menorah (candelabra) in the Holy Temple was a symbol of intellect. This Jewish value is relevant today, too. Israel is a leader in technology and science, and shares her discoveries with the world.

In The Beginning: Mishpatim S2

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:05:25 +0300

G-d to man: be nice

In The Beginning: Yitro S2

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:35:58 +0300

Is Yitro (Jethro) the original Peter Drucker?

In The Beginning: BeShalakh S2

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 16:35:06 +0300

The first and worst enemy of Israel attacks when faith is weak

In The Beginning: Bo S2

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:50:25 +0300

What "free will"? Guest: Dr. Matthew Lazar, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In The Beginning: VaErah S2

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 23:06:50 +0300

The holiness of the Hebrew letters

In The Beginning: Shmot S2

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:22:22 +0300

The secret of the Hebrew letter Shin and the Exodus

In The Beginning: VaYekhi S2

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:44:49 +0300

The lingering message at the end of Genesis

In The Beginning: VaYigash S2

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 14:47:53 +0300

Where the words end, the real conversation begins.

In The Beginning: Hanukkah S2

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 18:09:05 +0300

The Secret of the Draydel

In The Beginning: VaYishlakh S2

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 11:51:31 +0300

In loving memory of Avraham Hershel Teich z"l

In The Beginning: Vayetze S2

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 12:19:42 +0300

Thankful = Judah

In The Beginning: Toldot S2

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:35:29 +0300

The power of a parent's blessing.

In The Beginning: Chayei Sarah S2

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 21:57:32 +0300

What is remembrance? How do we remember others? Avraham taught us the way.

In The Beginning: VaYera S2

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:27:19 +0300

When faced with an impossible problem, find an impossible solution!

In The Beginning: Lech Lecha S2

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:56:54 +0300

Telling our story.

In The Beginning: Noah S2

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 19:41:55 +0300

What's with the Rainbow?

In The Beginning: Beresheet S2

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:23:32 +0300

Back to the Beginning! What didn't God do on the Seventh Day?

In The Beginning: The End

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:21:16 +0300

V'zot HaBrakha is the final teaching of the Torah. Or is it?,,,

In The Beginning: Sukkot

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 19:55:57 +0300

Against conventional wisdom and common sense, we're commanded to move out of our homes and into flimsy huts for a week.

In The Beginning: Ha'Azinu - Yom Kippur

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:45:55 +0300

Psalm 27 is recited every day during the 7 week season of T'shuva (returning to our true purpose)we're now in. There's a message inside that Psalm that can unlock our prayers.

In The Beginning: Rosh HaShana

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:07:16 +0300

Happy New Year!

In The Beginning: Nitzavim-VaYelekh

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:05:02 +0300

Moses announces his retirement.

In The Beginning: Ki Tavo

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:48:35 +0300

The first thing the Israelites were commanded to do when crossing the Jordan River in to the Land of Israel was to write a letter... well, actually 304,805 letters.

In The Beginning: Ki Tetzei

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 22:50:55 +0300

Remember, but Forget Amalek. Contradiction?

In The Beginning: Shoftim

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 13:39:18 +0300

The New Month of Elul begins the countdown to the most important appointment of our lives.

In The Beginning: Re'eh

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:16:38 +0300

Is there room for discussion on every idea? Apparently, not.

In The Beginning: The Day After 9th of Av

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:32:26 +0300

The saddest day in the Jewish calendar is the 9th of Av (Tisha B'Av). Now that it's past us, what do we do to make sure it doesn't occur next year?

In The Beginning: Devarim (The 5th Book)

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 19:19:19 +0300

What traits in a person are pleasing to you? Are they role models? Here are two people who got it right.

In The Beginning: Maps & Journeys

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:27:57 +0300

Mapping our journey - physical, emotional, spiritual - is as important as the destination. Moses records every trail and campsite of the Exodus.

In The Beginning: Pinchas and the Scribe's Secret

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 13:49:40 +0300

Graphic violence, vulgar pagan worship, and a very jealous man. This Torah teaching is something else!

In The Beginning: Balak

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 19:27:37 +0300

One of my favourite stories in the Torah. An evil Moabite king, a pagan wizard mercenary, a donkey that talks. This is a great story!

In The Beginning: Korakh

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:39:23 +0300

Leadership in the face of rebellion. Moshe shows us how.

In The Beginning: Shavuot

Thu, 28 May 2020 13:41:21 +0300

Celebrating the Festival of the Torah / Festival of the First Fruits

In The Beginning: BaMidbar & Jerusalem Day

Thu, 21 May 2020 20:44:31 +0300

The concept of counting anybody as a statistic is not a Torah idea. Every single life is precious & necessary.

In The Beginning: Behar

Thu, 14 May 2020 22:52:22 +0300

Psalm 128. Always focus on Jerusalem. Words of promise, hope and healing.

In The Beginning: Emor

Thu, 07 May 2020 22:14:14 +0300

Unpacking the source/root letters of Shabbat (Sabbath).

In The Beginning: Yom HaAtzma'ut

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:56:12 +0300

Israel Independence Day is a time to celebrate. And to remember.

In The Beginning: Tazriyah

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:00:52 +0300

Disagreeing (with respect)with Dennis Prager. Rabbis should also know about science.

In The Beginning: Shmini

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:36:51 +0300

Eating is serious business. And this week's teaching reveals a diet from the Highest authority.

In The Beginning: Tzav/Passover

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:13:14 +0300

The central idea of Pesach (Passover) is revolutionary.

In The Beginning: VaYikra

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:10:58 +0300

Why should the study of the Levites and Priests in the Holy Temple be relevant to our lives today? Is there such a thing as coincidences?

In The Beginning: Vaykhal-Pikudei

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:03:06 +0300

Who was Betzalel, and why was he qualified to be the Master Artisan of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)? Good question.

In The Beginning: Ki Tisa

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 23:52:22 +0300

Corona virus has changed our lives in the span of a few weeks. This past week was especially shocking, as the number of those inflicted rose sharply. The Torah calls out to us with practical and relevant guidance.

In The Beginning: T'tzaveh

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 21:30:06 +0300

Aharon (Aaron) the Cohen (High Priest) is commanded by God to wear very specific, beautiful clothing with intricate details. Was this a Biblical fashion statement... or something else at work?

In The Beginning: Yitro and Mishpatim

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:23:24 +0300

I'm bringing this broadcast for this week and next week, so it's bit longer than usual, but hopefully worth the listen. Question: how do you best learn? Or, Teach? Moshe (Moses) shows us three ways. And the classroom is Mount Sinai.

In The Beginning: BShalakh

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 23:17:12 +0300

Following the splitting of the Red (Reed) Sea, the Israelites do something never attempted before... they sing. Why?

In The Beginning: Bo

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:11:35 +0300

The Nation of Israel finally goes free from their slavery in Egypt. Now, an incredible obligation to tell the story of freedom from a personal perspective. But how to do this?

In The Beginning: VaEra

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 23:44:10 +0300

The letter "Vav" connects ideas together. The repeated use of this Hebrew letter is important as it links critical concepts and history and leads to a brand new revolutionary reality... freedom!

In The Beginning: Shmot

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:19:41 +0300

The Book of Exodus is much more than the story of a prison break from Egypt. The letter "Shin" teaches us why.

In The Beginning: Noah

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:20:45 +0300

Insights and wisdom on the Hebrew letters and "parshat haShavua" (the weekly Torah teaching)

In the Beginning: Beresheet

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:04:29 +0300

Insights and wisdom on the Hebrew letters and "parshat haShavua" (the weekly Torah teaching)