Tanach & Tea

In this episode of Tanach & Tea, we’re joined by Rabbi Moshe Nachbar - Rebbe u’Mashpia, educator, personal development coach, co-founder of Nekudah Tova of Hollywood, and host of the podcast Light in the Pocket — and my colleague at Katz Yeshiva High School, for a conversation that goes straight at some of the biggest — and most uncomfortable — questions about Israel, hashkafa, and what Judaism actually demands from us today.Rabbi Nachbar brings a unique blend of Torah depth, Breslov thought, and real-world perspective to a conversation that doesn’t stay theoretical.We start with Tanach Barbershop Talk:If you had to choose someone from Tanach to be Prime Minister today — who are you picking? From there, things get real:What is hashkafa — and is there really only one “correct” approach?Does Zionism belong inside Judaism, or is it something else entirely?What role is the Diaspora supposed to play today?We also explore:• Why Rabbi Akiva’s students specifically died during Sefirat HaOmer• Whether Yom HaAtzmaut being in Sefirah is coincidence — or something deeper• If our current leaders are failing us• Whether the Meraglim are still among us — just in a different form• What Tanach actually says about the world we’re living in right now• Are we living more “rabbinically” than “biblically” — and what does that even mean?• Are we too comfortable spiritually?• What are we actually afraid of?And yes — we go there:Should Chareidim be drafted? Hallel with a bracha?Can we accept irreligious Jews? (Rav Kook, Breslov, and beyond)This is one of those conversations that challenges how you think — about Israel, about Judaism, and about yourself.🎙 Guest: Rabbi Moshe Nachbar — https://www.instagram.com/nach_notes🎥 Full video available on YouTube (and Spotify Video):https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea📱 Instagram Reels & clips:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/🔗 Listen everywhere:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea📩 To sponsor an episode:tanachandtea@gmail.com

For our special Purim episode, Tanach & Tea is joined by comedian Mikey Greenblatt (https://www.instagram.com/mikey_greenblatt/) to talk Megillat Esther, media, the connection between adultery & eggs, dinosaurs — and much more.We start with Tanach Barbershop Talk:If people in Tanach had podcasts, who would host — and whose shows today would they resemble?From Candace Owens to Tucker Carlson to Ben Shapiro, and more.Then we turn to the Megillah and unpack the backstory to the pasuk introducing Mordechai — and how it connects back to David HaMelech.We also discuss:• Esther’s beauty — and why it matters• Achashverosh: impulsive king or calculated politician? (And was he shomer negiah?)• Whether Esther initiated Mishloach Manot• Messaging, influence, and how narratives shape historyThis episode is sponsored by Aharon Shain, leili nishmat my grandmother who passed away on Rosh Chodesh Adar —Mirrel bat Chaim Yehoshua Halevi.🎥 Full video available on YouTube (and Spotify Video):https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea📱 Instagram Reels & clips:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/🔗 Listen everywhere:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea🎙 Guest: Mikey Greenblatt — https://www.instagram.com/mikey_greenblatt/📩 To sponsor an episode:tanachandtea@gmail.com

Recorded live on January 6th, 2026, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 2, Pasuk כ״ג through Perek 3, Pasuk ו׳ — where one death reshapes the balance of power and the cracks in David’s kingdom begin to widen.Asahel refuses to stop chasing Avner — and Avner’s final warning goes unheeded. With the blunt end of a spear, Asahel falls. The battlefield freezes. But the story does not.From that moment forward, the war between the house of Shaul and the house of David intensifies. The text tells us plainly: David grows stronger, the house of Shaul grows weaker. Yet strength comes at a cost. David’s family expands — sons are born in Chevron — Amnon, Kileav, Avshalom… names that will later shake the kingdom from within.Meanwhile, Avner remains the real force behind Ish-Boshet’s throne. But even that alliance begins to fracture. Accusations, ego, loyalty, honor — the fragile coalition holding Israel together begins to unravel.This is not just the aftermath of a battlefield death. It is the beginning of long-term instability. Blood feuds linger. Political marriages multiply. Power consolidates. And the seeds of future rebellion are quietly planted inside David’s own house.This chapter forces us to confront a sobering truth: a leader can win a war and still lose control of the forces around him. David is rising — but so is the chaos that will define the next phase of his reign.🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea🎧 Watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea📱 Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/📩 Want to sponsor an episode?Email: tanachandtea@gmail.com

Recorded live on December 2nd, 2025, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 1, Pesukim 17-27 — in one of the most moving chapters in all of Tanach, David hears of the deaths of Shaul and Yonatan and breaks into a powerful eulogy — "How the mighty have fallen." This episode explores David's grief, the complexities of his relationship with Shaul, the depth of his bond with Yonatan, and the message this lament sends about leadership, loyalty, and love. 🎥 Video Version: A full video of this shiur is available now on the Tanach & Tea YouTube channel. 🔗 For details, updates, and everything Tanach & Tea: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

In this live Tanach & Tea recording, we conclude Sefer Shmuel Aleph with one of the most emotional and tragic moments in Tanach — the death of King Shaul and his son Yonatan on Har Gilboa. As the Philistines close in, Shaul faces his final test of faith and fear, bringing to an end a reign marked by courage, struggle, and heartbreak. Originally recorded in May 2024, this episode was the finale of last year's Story of David HaMelech series. We're releasing it now as a bridge into the start of this year's Tanach & Tea: The Story of David HaMelech — beginning Tuesday night at 8:00 PM at our new location: The Jewish Center in Hollywood, featuring sushi, cookies, and tea! Join us as we begin again with the opening chapters of Sefer Shmuel Bet, exploring the rise of David to David HaMelech and the timeless lessons of leadership, destiny, and faith. For details, updates, and the address, join the Tanach & Tea WhatsApp group: 👉 https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea This is the 18th episode of TSOD (The Story of David HaMelech).

We're kicking off Season 2 of Tanach & Tea with a very special guest: Rav Eliyahu Pereira. Born and raised in Miami, Rav Eliyahu moved to Israel at 17 and eventually made his home in Tzfat. Always proud of being Jewish but not always religious, he shares how his journey led him into Torah, Chassidut, and guiding others toward a deeper connection with Hashem. From there we dive into themes that couldn't be more timely as we approach Rosh Hashana: 🔍 Highlights from this episode Democracy vs. the Kingdom of Hashem — and what that means for Mashiach and Gog U'Magog Should we ask Hashem for things on Rosh Hashana, or just crown Him as King? Hisbodedut: pouring out your heart until you completely nullify your will before Hashem Talking to Hashem like your best friend — and guaranteed answers even without words Teshuva: why Hashem loves the effort itself Why Rosh Hashana is in Tishrei and not in Nisan Covenant vs. relationship: keeping our contract with Hashem versus building closeness with Him Along the way, I also share about an inspiring new book: 📖 The Extraordinary Life of Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea 👤 Connect with Rav Eliyahu: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliyahupereira/ 📱 Follow Tanach & Tea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ 📩 Want to sponsor an episode? Email tanachandtea@gmail.com

In Episode 14 of Tanach & Tea, we are joined by guest Elad Shachar. We explore the festival of Shavuot and its deeper spiritual connections, before diving into the mysteries of creation from Sefer Bereishit. In the first half, we unwrap Shavuot: Why is Megillat Ruth read, and what does it reveal about our relationship with Torah? What do the four names of Shavuot teach us about the holiday's essence? Discover the surprising link between King David and the Oral Torah, and why Hashem had to "force" us into our sacred marriage at Sinai. We also look at the symbolism of eating dairy, the spiritual significance of the letter Zayin and tribe of Zevulun for Sivan, and how the Torah serves as the "spice" for our evil inclination. Plus, a healthy and joyful path to Jewish growth, the deep connection between Pesach and Shavuot, and how Judaism uniquely blends individual identity with community life. In the second half, we go back to the beginning — Bereishit 2:7: What does the earth's many colors tell us about humanity? What made Adam so remarkable — and how does he compare to Shlomo HaMelech? We unpack the different types of souls, spiritual injuries, and how to keep our inner essence healthy (yes, even with a pair of fresh white J's as a metaphor). Whether you're looking to deepen your Shavuot experience or gain new insights into the creation of the human soul, this episode invites you to elevate the mundane, embrace your role, and find joy in the journey of Torah. Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com Also, we have video now! You can catch the full video episode on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ Connect with Elad - https://www.instagram.com/elad_shac/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

Bonus Recording of the Live Tanach & Tea: The Story of David Hamelech In this episode, we dive into Shmuel Alef Perek 28, starting from Pasuk 10, where King Shaul turns to the forbidden Witch of Ein Dor in a final, desperate attempt for guidance. As Hashem remains silent, Shaul seeks out the spirit of Shmuel — and the message he receives is chilling. We explore the emotional depth of Shaul's downfall, the eerie atmosphere of necromancy, and the deeper themes of leadership, fear, and divine distance in this powerful perek. This is the 17th Episode of TSOD (Check our Youtube Page for the first 10 Episodes of The Story of David Hamelech) Tanach & Tea: TSOD is every other Wednesday featuring Sushi, Cookies, & Tea. Join the whatsapp group for more details - https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea If you are looking for the Tanach & Tea podcast, look for Episodes with the opposite artwork on it (and not titled bonus)

Tanach & Tea is back! Tune in for a special Episode that will prepare you for Purim. Also, we have video now! You can catch the full Episode with video on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea This week, we dive into Purim's wild ride: Which holidays match the days of the week? Why does Purim stick around post-Mashiach when others don't? We unpack its history, face off Purim vs. Yom Kippur, and explore its atonement edge. Life's a mermaid war—relentless and chaotic—but Yom Kippur and Purim offer rest. Except - is Purim a fake rest day? Roadmap to a killer Purim: Skip work? Costumes, unity, Purim Meshulash—does joy take effort? Are Adar and Nissan linked? Open vs. closed miracles, Is Haman the true hero, and Purim as a New Year's Eve bash + much more! Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com

In Episode 11 of Tanach & Tea, we discuss everything Shabbat. Is it really a day of rest? Does Hashem need rest? Tanach Barbershop Talk - Ranking the 7 days of Yom Tov Also discussed - Kiddush, The Testimony that is Shabbat, Is Shabbat really a day of rest from speech?, Talking in Shul, Why the world was created in 6 days and the prophecies hidden within that, Are we in the messianic era?, The Sfirot of the 7 days, Hashem lowkey worked on Shabbat?, How to properly prepare for Shabbat, How sins are like stains + more! This Episode is sponsored by my father, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, as a thank you to Hashem for protection during a car accident. https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק ב פסוק א–ב

In Episode 10 of Tanach & Tea, we discuss many aspects of the Yetzer Hara & the mysteries of heaven via Kabalah with guest Shlomo Simpser! Tanach Barbershop Talk - Top 7 Villains in Tanach Also discussed - 100 Brachot in a day, Shovavim, The exception in every day of creation, Why Friday is VERY good, Yetzer Hara vs Yetzer Tov, how the Evil Urge roots for us & we owe him an apology, Yosef vs Mrs. Potiphar, The bath of hell, Why humans are not good, Shlomo Hamlech & his birds + much more! This Episode is sponsored by National Realty Brokerage: Call 954-347-6780 for all your real estate & mortgage needs in Florida. Tell them Tanach & Tea sent you! https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק א פסוק כט–לא

In Episode 9 of Tanach & Tea, we discuss Pru Urvu, the commandment to create, our purpose in life & many more philsophical discussions with guest Elan Teichman! Tanach Barbershop Talk - Top 7 couples in Tanach Also discussed - Why Shabbat might actually be a day of super creation, The commandment to listen to Tanach & Tea, Hashem wants us to develop & create, Does a convert need to redo Pru Urvu?, Why we thrive under pressure, Lessons from Rambam & Yosef Hatzadik, Moshiach, Society being numb, Washing our hands, the story of the Tziztit & the prostitute + much more! Thank you Dovi & Malkie Friedman for sponsoring this episode L'Zecher Nishmat Menachem ben Chaim, who spread Torah to so many https://www.charidy.com/knockout/Josh - Bonei Olam https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק א פסוק כח

In Episode 8 of Tanach & Tea, we dicuss the creation of humankind & how amazing it truly is! Tanach Barbershop Talk - If you had a time machine, what would be the top 7 moments you would visit in Tanach? Also discussed - Positve mitzvot vs negative mitzvot, Computers vs humans, Body vs soul, What if man had 2 mouths, The 10 things Hashem created at the twilight of creation, Asher Yatzar, Demons, & Why humans were created on Day 6 just before shabbat Thank you to our anonymous sponsor in merit of a Refuah Shilema for Adam Uriel ben Aviva https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק א פסוק כז