About this episode

This episode discusses the blessings and curses in Parshat Behar-Bechukotai and challenges the perception of G-d as vindictive.

This week's parsha, Behar-Bechukotai, is filled with blessings and curses from G-d to the Israelites. If you follow my commandments, you will have abundant blessings; if you stray, I will rain curses upon you. To many readers this is a case-in-point that G-d is vindictive, punitive, judgmental, and that everything in Jewish practice is generated via ultimatum. Stay with me here, I’m not the only one who disagrees with this assessment.

More episodes of Ancient Lessons for a Modern Life with Adam Teitelbaum

• First, Clear the Channel - Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5786 · April 23, 2026 · 7 min
• The Sign - Parshat Tazria/Metzora 5786 · April 17, 2026 · 6 min
• Because I Said So - Parshat Shemini 5786 · April 10, 2026 · 6 min
• In our family we - Passover 5786 · April 3, 2026 · 5 min
• Tend the flame - Parshat Tzav 5786 · March 26, 2026 · 5 min
• Salt & Father - Parshat Vayikra 5786 · March 19, 2026 · 6 min

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