The long running Dvar Torah blog, "Ancient Ideas for the Modern Mind", is now a podcast! Listen as Yosef Segal gives his weekly Dvar Torah and also discusses a variety of Torah topics including Chumash, Hashkafa, and Halacha

Yaakov Avinu was the embodiment of Emes, Truth, in this world. Yet, he lied and tricked his way into the brachos. Plus, we know Hashem went along with it! How could this happen? (13 minutes) … [Read more...]

Our parsha tells us that Avraham was old? This seems pretty obvious, we know he was over 100! But it gets even more puzzling when we remember that the Torah already told us in Parshas Vayeira that Avraham was old! Why tell us twice? (9 minutes) … [Read more...]

The Akeidah is considered the culmination of Avraham's life work. But what came before it? How did it all come together? (11 minutes) … [Read more...]

Avraham battles the Four Kings to recover his nephew, Lot. The pasuk says he took 318 men with him. According to the medrash, it was just him and Eliezer. Either way, it wasn't enough people to defeat four armies. Why did Avraham bring that specific amount of men? (10 minutes) … [Read more...]

The Pesukim seem to indicate that the Tower of Bavel was built in order that people shouldn't have to be spread out. What did they do wrong that they were punished? And was it really a punishment? (10 minutes) … [Read more...]

Hashem originally creates man alone, but then says it's not 'good' for man to be alone. What wasn't good about it? (9 minutes) … [Read more...]

Moshe attempts to ascend the mountain towards his final resting place, but he's stopped by the Bnei Yisrael. How could they disobey a direct commandment of Hashem? (11 minutes) … [Read more...]