Recorded live on December 23rd, 2025, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 2, Pesukim א–ל״ב — the uneasy and often tragic beginning of David’s kingship.

David does not rush the throne. He asks, he waits, and he is anointed king in Chevron — but only over Yehudah. Meanwhile, Avner, the true power behind Shaul’s house, installs Ish-Boshet as king over the rest of Israel. What should have been a careful political transition fractures into rivalry, bloodshed, and a civil war no one truly wants. A “friendly” duel spirals out of control, a fatal pursuit seals a blood feud, and the cost of leadership becomes painfully clear. This chapter forces us to confront hard questions about legitimacy versus power, restraint versus ambition, and how personal choices shape national destiny long before the crown is secure.

🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea

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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

Tanach & Tea TSOD is officially back!
This is the first session of the new season and the 19th episode in our ongoing series, The Story of David HaMelech.

Recorded live on November 11, 2025, we open Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 1, Pesukim 1–16 — the dramatic moment when David learns of Shaul and Yonatan's deaths.

In this episode, we cover:

• David's return to Tziklag after the war with Amalek

• The Amaleki messenger and his account of the battle

• The inconsistencies in his story

• The poetic justice of Amalek standing between David and Shaul — in life and now in death

• David's response and ethical clarity

• The crucial transition from the fall of Shaul's kingship to the rise of David

🎥 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).

🎙️ Bonus Live Shiur — Chesed Circle, Hallandale (Sept 18)

In this special live recording, we dive deep into the Yamim Noraim with a fresh perspective:

✨ Why Rosh Hashana seems like the wrong time of year — and why the Torah places it here instead of in Nisan.
✨ Yom Kippur vs. Purim — how these two days mirror and elevate each other.
✨ The "Mermaid" within us — half animal, half angel, half man, half fish.
✨ Why Yom Kippur is truly Shabbat Shabbatot — the Shabbat of all Shabbatot.
✨ The secret of Teshuvah: why Hashem wanted it specifically at this time of year.
✨ A powerful lesson on money & pleasure — Hashem decrees our income on Rosh Hashana, but we decide how it will take shape.

Recorded live at the Chesed Circle in Hallandale, this shiur blends Torah depth, creativity, and practical inspiration as we prepare for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea

🎧 Listen 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

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 this 15th episode of Tanach & Tea, we welcome our first-ever female guest — Leah Bahar, host of the Eve's Gardeners podcast.

Leah and I have known each other for a while, but right before Pesach, I had the privilege of being a guest on her podcast — my first-ever guest appearance on any podcast. Now, she's returning the favor and joining us for the first time as a guest herself.

We've been waiting for this one. Her brand is Eve's Gardeners, and this episode is all about Gan Eden, Adam and Eve, and the creation of humanity — couldn't be more fitting.

This episode also marks another first: we're now filming with a two-camera setup, so you'll finally see Debbie and Orr on screen too, bringing Tanach & Tea to a whole new level.

📺 Tanach Barbershop Talk:
Which episodes of Tanach would make the best reality TV shows?

🌿 Main Discussion (Bereishit 2:8–25):

• What did Gan Eden actually look like?

• The deeper Torah view of Adam and Chava, and how their story shapes our understanding of:

  • Gender roles

  • Marriage and partnership

  • The 7 Noachide Laws

  • Creation, unity, and the spiritual power of relationships

• Why the Torah says, "It is not good for man to be alone" — and the spiritual and practical upside of being married.

From Eden to everyday marriage advice, we explore the design of humanity, the harmony between male and female souls, and the Torah's timeless wisdom on love, identity, and purpose.

🎥 Now in full video! Catch us on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea

📱 Instagram Reels, episode clips, and more:
https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/

🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform:
https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

👤 Follow Leah:
https://www.instagram.com/evesgardeners/

Spotify: Eve's Gardeners

📩 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