Rabbi Shira and Joshua delve into the final three plagues and the Hebrews' liberation from Egyptian slavery. The story is difficult to digest — the last three plagues are devastating. Does the pursuit of justice require violence? Who really hardened Pharoah's heart? And should the new Chutzpod merch have a slash of lamb's blood on it? Listen now to find out.

The Exodus story continues, and with it, questions about what oppression does to both the oppressed and the oppressor, and the importance of breath in pushing back against injustice. We also coin the term "vicious squiggles," critically important for understanding any religious or political movement in history.

We've begun the book of Exodus just in time to mark Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. This first parsha packs a lot in: Moses' birth, growing up Egyptian, the burning bush, and starting to fight against oppression. But it's the Hebrew and Egyptian women who really spark the first acts of civil disobedience--getting into good trouble. Learn more about the connections between MLK and the Civil Rights Movement and Exodus by listening today!

Happy New Year and welcome back to Chutzpod! Rabbi Shira and Joshua wrap up the Joseph narrative and conclude the Book of Genesis. Will Joseph be able to forgive his brothers? Does restitution only come from honesty? We also discuss your response to our December Dilemma episode and the beauty of crying.