About the Author


David Fohrman

Rabbi David Fohrman is the founder and CEO at Aleph Beta Academy. He is author of "The Beast that Crouches at the Door," finalist for the 2007 National Jewish Book Award, and "The Queen You Thought You Knew." Rabbi Fohrman seeks to open layers of meaning of Biblical text and to help the reader develop a relationship with the texts that make us who we are. For more of his work, see www.alephbeta.org.


Rachel's Tears: Exploring the Meaning of Tisha B'Av

What is the point of feeling sad on Tisha B'Av?

Ruth: A Story 30 Generations in the Making

An in-depth exploration of the Book of Ruth and the meaning of Shavuot.

The Deeper Meaning of Giving Gifts on Purim

The fascinating backstory of Mordechai and Esther's secret gifts.

Why Do We Celebrate Sukkot?

Unlike Passover and Shavuot, it doesn't seem to commemorate an important historical event for our national history!

Rosh Hashanah: Is Judgment Day Supposed To Be Joyful?

Should we tremble with fear or rejoice in crowning God as our King? A 5-part video course on the essence of Rosh Hashanah.

Tisha B'Av: Is This Ancient Tragedy Still Meaningful?

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman asks us two questions: how do we deal with grief, and how can we understand modern redemption?

What Is 17th of Tammuz Really About?

What is the relevance of the 17th of Tammuz today?

Why Do We Celebrate ‘Law Day’?

What's so joyful about law? An in-depth exploration of the meaning of Shavuot.

Passover: How To Read The Haggadah

In these videos, Rabbi Fohrman teaches us how to really read the Haggadah.

The Viceroy: Mordechai's Hidden Story

Why was Mordechai really defying Haman, and what can we learn from him?

Reindeer and Latkes: Aren't The Winter Holidays Suspiciously Similar?

Is Hanukkah just a Jewish version of Christmas? What makes Hanukkah special?

Rosh Hashanah: Just How Guilty Should I Feel?

A 30-min video on how to overcome your guilt and embrace the incredible opportunities of the High Holy Days.

Shavuot: Why Isn’t the Day Mentioned in the Torah?

An in-depth video series exploring the meaning of Shavuot.

Passover: The Exodus That Could Have Been

Rabbi Fohrman fascinating explanation on the big picture of the Exodus story and the destiny of the Jewish people.

Purim: The Queen You Thought You Knew

An in-depth exploration that will transform your understanding of Purim and the Book of Esther.

The Book of the Maccabees Uncovered

An epic journey into the history of Hanukkah.

The Scandalous Backstory of Ruth and Boaz

How two stories of Genesis shed light on the book of Ruth, Shavuot and the meaning of kindness.

Passover: The Three Great Lies of the Exodus

Why did the Exodus happen this way? Exploring the three signs God shows Moses at the burning bush gives us an answer.

Purim: Redeeming the Sin of Eden

A video series that takes a closer, more grown-up look at the Book of Esther.

Hanukkah: Why Light Candles and Ignore the War?

A two-part video exploring the philosophical underpinnings of the holiday.

Rosh Hashanah: How Do I Become Close to God?

A thought-provoking, 4-part video series by Rabbi David Fohrman.

Baseless Hatred

Understanding the great crime of Tisha B'Av.

Shavuot: Does the Book of Ruth Matter?

The Book of Ruth and the meaning of the Jewish people’s mission.

Haggadah: Why Was Slavery Part of God's Plan?

Looking at the Passover Haggadah with fresh eyes.

Purim: Why Name A Holiday After The Enemy?

An in-depth video series exploring Esther’s true role in the Purim story.

Hanukkah & Thanksgiving: A Torah Perspective

What role does giving thanks play in this holiday?

Teshuvah: What Is Real Repentance?

How can there be objective laws that govern something as subjective and personal as Teshuvah?

Tisha B'Av: The Secret to Jewish Survival

How can we feel sincere when mourning on Tisha B'Av?

The Hidden Structure of the Ten Commandments

Exploring Judaism’s central spiritual principle at the heart of the Ten Commandments.

Passover: What Does it Mean to be Chosen?

Exploring the depth of God’s agenda in the Exodus story. A thrilling 8-part video series.

The Hidden Story of Queen Esther: A Video Series

A startling 6-part series that reveals the profound relevance of Purim.

Understand Purim in 5 Minutes or Less

The quick scoop on Judaism’s most enigmatic holiday.

The Death of Cain. The World's First Murder, Epilogue

Does the one who brings death into the world deserve protection from God?

There's No Place Like Home: The World's First Murder, Part 14

Our connection to the land has similarities to our connection to God.

Thank You Presents The World's First Murder, Part 13

When giving a thank you gift there is always the danger that our intentions may be to insure our place in the relationship, rather than express our gratitude.

Cain's Creative Passion. The World's First Murder, Part 12

Our passions can be directed to drive us to greatness, or they can pull us into the depths of self-destruction.

An Overflowing Cup. The World's First Murder, Part 11

When you have more than what you need, it is natural to want to give.

Can Desire be Divorced from Need? The World's First Murder, Part 10

Eve's desire for her husband is not necessarily based on her needs.

The Blame Game: The World's First Murder, Part 9

Cain thinks his problems are because of other people's choices, even God's.

Cain Buys Insurance: The World's First Murder, Part 8

What can you give to someone who has everything? The gift of gratitude is always appreciated.

Creator or Owner: The World's First Murder, Part 7

What happens when something you make means so much to you that you view the wondrous creation as an expression of your deepest self?

Partnering With God: The World's First Murder, Part 6

Can we co-create with the Creator? Or are we just a tool He uses to create new life?

Eve Acquires a Son: The World's First Murder, Part 5

Eve's reaction to the birth of her son gives us insight into Cain's nature and motivations.

Blood on the Ground: The World's First Murder, Part 4

If it was up to you to sentence the first murderer in the history of the world, what punishment would you impose?

Echoes of Eden The World's First Murder, Part 3

The connection between the story of Cain and Abel and the story of Adam and Eve is not easily deduced, but very relevant.

The Enigmatic Genius of Cain The World's First Murder, Part 2

The story of Cain and Abel is not a simple scenario of sibling rivalry.

History's First Question: Where Are You? Serpents of Desire, Final Chapter

Even as God banished us from Eden, He bequeathed to us the tools we would need to make it in the new world of our own making.

Friedrich Nietzsche and the Disc Jockey: Serpents of Desire, Part 10

Torah as the Spice of Life.

The I of the Beholder: Serpents of Desire, Part 9

Desire can confound our perception of the way things really are. A biblical case study.

A Dark and Rainy Night in Manhattan: Serpents of Desire, Part 8

The boxer named Desire.

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