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PODCAST

Laymen Learn Torah

Sylia A. and Joy B.

Because it"s our Torah too! We"re Joy and Sylia, and we"re two average (Modern Orthodox) Jewish women seeking to rekindle our relationship with the Torah. Join us as we grapple with the big events, the tiny details, and all of the verses in between.

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

00:49:20

Episode 24: "Humans Drop the Ball (Bereishit 6-8)"

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2025/10/06

Humans get all of the chances in the world, and Joy and Sylia count the ways. But, alas, Hashem decides they all need to go and Noah is the blank slate. After a long hiatus, they're finally back to (almost) finish up the first book of the Torah!

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00:48:55

"Episode 23: Cain on the Loose! (Bereshit 4-5)"

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/11/14

Get a riveting play-by-play of the world's first murder! Sylia and Joy dissect Cain's anger problems and lack of perspective. Sylia controvercially presents Cain as a sympathetic figure and Joy is intrigued but not super convinced. More dramatic than Abel's killing is the story of Cain's death...you don't want to miss this absurd account! Let us know what you think in the comments!

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00:54:37

Episode 22: Guy Meets Girl. Girl Meets Snake...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/10/29

They're BACK! Joy and Sylia return to tackle the ORIGINAL SIN (SIN...Sin...sin), though Joy does scandalously suggest that maybe Paradaise was meant to be lost all along! Punishments are given out. Humanity and snakes become mortal enemies. Adam might sheepishly have been standing by Chava's side as she tasted the forbidden fruit. It's just a good time all around. Join us for episode 22, and let us know what you think in the comments!Thank you to the fans who urged us to continue on this

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00:34:26

Adam is Lonely No More (or Perpetually Lonely?)...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/05/23

Shoutout to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik for his ingenius interpretation of Bereshit 1 and 2! In this week's episode, Joy and Sylia continue with their philosophical ponderings about the implications of the two contradicting creation stories. They also tackle the topic of shabbat and the forbidden trees, and to lead us up to the juiceier sides of Adam and Eve.

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01:02:27

Episode 20: "In the Beginning... (Finally)" Bereshit 1

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/04/12

Joy and Sylia finally overcome their imposter syndrome and begin to tackle one of the toughest parts of the Torah: CREATION (cue echo.)In this episode, the duo try on many hats: physicists, anthropologists, marine biologists, and most importantly, Torah commentators. Because it's their Torah, too!

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01:15:41

Episode 19: "The End: Blessings, Curses, Destinies"...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/03/10

This episode is dedicated to the refuah shlema of Nava ben Irit, and to the Oketz Unit for their tireless and selfless service to Eretz Yisrael!In this episode, Joy and Sylia discuss what it is that Yaakov is passing onto the generations of Am Yisrael to come. He individualized and differentiates based on the child's weaknesses, strengths, and areas of improvement (so progressive!) They also reveal the REAL reason they didn't start with the first chapter of Bereshit!

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00:54:36

"The Values of Yisrael" (Bereshit 47-48)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/02/15

Sylia and Joy get serious for once and really dig into the meat of what makes us the children of Yisrael.Is it our thing for shepherds? Is it our strange connection with the land of Canaan? Is it our disregard for birth order? Is it our ability to procreate and fill the land in whatever environment we find ourselves in? Decide with us! PLUS, find out if you have joined the ranks of the 10/7 conservatievs!

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00:38:33

"The Big Family Reunion" (Bereshit 44-46)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/02/11

In this episode, Joy and Sylia feel the feels as Yosef reveals himself to his brothers, and finally reunites with his father, Yaakob. They also discover that not all Pharaohs are created the same (this one happens to be really adorable), and Israelites begin to fulfill the prophecy from Brit ben HaBetarim. PLUS, Joy's secret identity is revealed!

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00:35:14

"The Day of Reckoning: Yosef Messes with his...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/02/02

Yosef navigates a strange and unexpected reunion with his brothers, who are unaware that the vizier before them is the very brother they (maybe?) sold to strangers and left to die. He messes with their heads a little bit, though Joy and Sylia disagree to what extent these games are laced with revenge. Okay, fine, he does cry a lot. So maybe he's not so bad after all. PLUS, Yaakov learns absolutely NOTHING at all about the consequences of favoring one son over all the others.

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00:36:11

"Episode 15: From Rags to Riches (Bereshit 41)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/01/17

Pharaoh wakes up from his Inception-worthy dream and he needs an interpretation STAT. Yosef does some God-sanctioned fortunetelling and makes his way to a position as the right-hand man of the Pharaoh (but not before a good bath and shave session.) Joy and Sylia discuss how Yosef's Jewish identity is essential to his success in Egypt, and how surprisingly receptive this Pharaoh is to God's unlikely prophet!

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00:36:15

Episode 14 "Yosef's #metoo Moment" (Bereshit 39-40)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2024/01/04

Yosef is turning heads wherever he goes! The captain of the guard puts him in charge of his whole household. He is young! He is strong! He is handsome! But he also catches the attention of the world's first cougar, Potiphar's wife. We explore the (not-so-hidden) hand of Hashem in the events of Yosef's life, all the way down into the dungeons. Bonus content: How to tell your new friend he's going to die by hanging and have his body pecked by birds with a pun! Fun stuff. RIP Sar

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01:01:13

"Episode 13: Joseph and His Paisley Coat " (Bereshit...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/12/29

We're back! In this episode, we discuss the merits of tattle-taling and we ponder Yaakov's controversial parenting style. We also try to solve the mystery of WHO actually sold Yosef into slavery? Then, we dive into the story of Yehuda and Tamar, the first woman to use her sexuality to do right in the eyes of God. Let us know what you think!

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00:52:19

"Reuven did WHAT NOW?!" (Bereshit 35-36)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/12/07

This week, Joy and Sylia try to reconcile the actions of Reuven against his father, and how Yaakob's reaction serves an example for fathers everywhere whose sons have slept with their concubines. We also take a look at the deeper differences between Esav and Yaakob before closing up that chapter of Israel's history for good. Literally.

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00:41:20

Episode 11: "Dinah's Honor" (Bereshit 33-34)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/12/01

The stars have aligned to bring you this rare opportunity: Our newest episode is ACTUALLY synced up with the parasha of the week, Vayishlach! Yaakov and Eisav's dramatic reunion comes with a few surprises (hugs and kisses and tears, oh my!) Then, Shimon and Levi defend the honor of their sister by demolishing an entire town. We want to know your thoughts!

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00:50:36

Episode 10: "Jacob to Israel: The Jew's Eternal...

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/11/16

In this episode, Joy and Sylia talk about the depths of Lavan the Arami's depravity, and how Yaakob finally escapes his iron fist (grip?). They also talk about how to assuage the bloodthirsty desire for revenge by your Neanderthal brother, and how grappling became the Jews' favorite verb. This is a good one, people! You don't wanna miss it.

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00:48:04

Episode 9: "Lavan-ing Lavan" (Bereshit 29 - 30)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/11/02

We had the pleasure of being joined by Rina Abadi-Sova this week! Our resident Hebrew-speaker gave us some insight into the meanings of some of the words we saw here, and really helped us understand just how clever Leah and Rachel are when naming their children with Ya'akov! We also get a mini lesson on bioengineering and how much a man is worth in hallucinogenic drugs. Let us know what you think in the comments!

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00:05:57

Episode 8: "The Lost Episode"

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/11/02

Welcome to this week's episode of...Laymen Learn Technology (thanks Mopo). We had a mishap last week, and recorded 55 minutes of nothing. But worry not, dear listener! We give you the highlights here, and we urge you to pick up your own humash and read chapters 27+28 of Bereshit on your own and tell us what YOU think. Until next time!

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00:46:38

Episode 7: "Give Me Some of That Red Stuff"

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/10/21

Sylia and Joy explore the birth of an iconic rivalry: Yaakov and Esav. How much choice did the two brothers actually have in the matter? Were they destined to be enemies from the very beginning, or was there another way? Also discussed, PDA in the Torah. Don't recall? NEITHER DID WE!

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00:45:00

Episode 6: "Rivka Fills a Void" (Bereshit 24-25)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/10/12

This episode is dedicated to the IDF, for fighting on behalf of Jews all around the world. We You are our heroes! In this episode, we explore matchmaking back in the day, and we witness possibly the first ever meet-cute in world history! Joy and Sylia ask some questions and kiiiiiiind of get answers, but we'd love to hear from our listeners! Let us know what you think about the topics we explore in the episode.

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00:49:57

Episode 5: "The Mystery of Yitzhak" (Bereshit 21-23)

Laymen Learn Torah ·

2023/10/05

Abraham and Sarah finally have a son, but it's not happily ever after. There's sibling rivalry! (Almost) child sacrifice! The death of a matriarch! It's a wild one, so tuck in!

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