Home Podcasts Parsha in Plain English
Parsha in Plain English

Parsha in Plain English

Hofesh Idea Lab 14 episodes Nov 8, 2026

Parsha in Plain English offers a clear, modern English reading of the weekly Torah portion. Each episode focuses on the text and story itself rather than dense commentary, making the parsha accessible for everyday listeners. It is designed for commuting, walking, cooking, or quiet study. The goal is to help listeners follow the narrative and absorb its flow wherever they are.

Episodes

Toldot | The Generations — Bereshit | Genesis 25:19–28:9
Toldot | The Generations — Bereshit | Genesis 25:19–28:9 Nov 8, 2026 13:38 Parshat Toldot | Genesis 25:19–28:9  Torah portion reading in plain English  The weekly Torah portion, read simply.This week’s parsha is Toldot (תּוֹלְדֹת), “Generations.” We read the full portion from Genesis chapter 25, verse 19, through chapter 28, verse 9 — the birth of Esau and Jacob, the sale of the birthright, Isaac’s sojourn in Gerar, the blessing taken by Jacob, and Esau’s marriages.  Par
Chayei Sarah | The Life of Sarah — Bereshit (Genesis) 23:1–25:18
Chayei Sarah | The Life of Sarah — Bereshit (Genesis) 23:1–25:18 Nov 1, 2026 14:33 Parshat Chayei Sarah | Genesis 23:1–25:18Torah portion reading in plain EnglishThe weekly Torah portion, read simply.This week’s parsha is Chayei Sarah (חַיֵּי שָׂרָה), “The life of Sarah.” We read the full portion from Genesis chapter 23, verse 1, through chapter 25, verse 18 — Sarah’s death and burial in the Cave of Machpelah, Abraham’s servant sent to find a wife for Isaac, Rebekah’s arrival, A
Vayera | And He Appeared — Bereshit (Genesis) 18:1–22:24
Vayera | And He Appeared — Bereshit (Genesis) 18:1–22:24 Oct 25, 2026 18:53 Parshat Vayera | Genesis 18:1–22:24Torah portion reading in plain EnglishThis week’s parsha is Vayera (וַיֵּרָא), “And He appeared.” We read the full portion from Genesis chapter 18, verse 1, through chapter 22, verse 24 — the three visitors under the oaks of Mamre, the promise of a son, Abraham’s plea for Sodom, the rescue of Lot, the birth of Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, and the b
Lech-Lecha | Go Forth — Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1–17:27
Lech-Lecha | Go Forth — Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1–17:27 Oct 18, 2026 15:46 Parshat Lech-Lecha | Go Forth — Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1–17:27Torah portion reading in plain English  This week’s Parsha is Lech-Lecha (לֶךְ־לְךָ), “Go forth.” We read the full portion from Genesis chapter 12, verse 1, through chapter 17, verse 27 — the call to Abram to leave his country, the journey into the land of Canaan, the promise that his offspring will be as the stars, the separation from L
Noach | The Flood and the Rainbow — Bereshit (Genesis) 6:9–11:32 Torah Parsha Reading
Noach | The Flood and the Rainbow — Bereshit (Genesis) 6:9–11:32 Torah Parsha Reading Oct 11, 2026 18:02 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is Parshat Noach, Genesis chapter 6, verse 9, through chapter 11, verse 32. In this parsha we read of Noah, a righteous man in his generation, the flood, the covenant of the rainbow, the families of the earth, and a city whose language is confused.A like, a subscribe, or a short review greatly supports the Parsha In Plain English project and helps the next l
Bereshit | In the Beginning — Bereshit (Genesis) 1:1–6:8
Bereshit | In the Beginning — Bereshit (Genesis) 1:1–6:8 Oct 4, 2026 19:44 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.Thank you so much for being here. This week we begin the annual Torah reading cycle with Parshat Bereshit. Genesis chapter 1, verse 1, through chapter 6, verse 8. In this parsha we read of the beginning: the heavens and the earth spoken into being, the Garden of Eden, the first family, the long line of generations, and a world that turns toward wickedness—and of
Sukkot Maftir Days 1 and 2 Torah Audiobook Reading Numbers 29:12–16
Sukkot Maftir Days 1 and 2 Torah Audiobook Reading Numbers 29:12–16 Sep 27, 2026 01:30 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is the Maftir Torah reading for the first two days of Sukkot: Numbers chapter 29, verses 12 to 16. On this day we read of the holy gathering on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the seven-day festival, and the offerings set apart for Hashem.Please subscribe and share us with someone who may want to hear The Parsha In Plain English, too.This is Parsha i
Sukkot Torah Reading Leviticus 22:26–23:44 (Day 1 and 2)
Sukkot Torah Reading Leviticus 22:26–23:44 (Day 1 and 2) Sep 27, 2026 07:36 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is Leviticus chapter 22, verse 26, through chapter 23, verse 44. We read of the appointed times of Hashem: Sabbath, Pesach, the Omer and the counting of seven weeks, the day of sounding the shofar, the Day of Atonement, and the festival of Sukkot. This reading is heard on the first two days of Sukkot.If this reading met you in the season, keep it close, like
Join Us. The Cycle Begins Soon.
Join Us. The Cycle Begins Soon. Sep 22, 2026 01:04 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English!Gmar hatimah tovah. May you be sealed for a good year.This show began as a way to hear the weekly parsha in audiobook style. We are inspired and encouraged by how many of you have already found us, listened, followed, and stayed.We have one more bonus episode coming. The Torah readings for the first day of Sukkot will be released on Sunday, September 27th.Then, o
Audiobook Torah Reading for Yom Kippur Afternoon: Leviticus 18:1-30
Audiobook Torah Reading for Yom Kippur Afternoon: Leviticus 18:1-30 Sep 20, 2026 04:27 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is the Torah reading for Yom Kippur afternoon: Leviticus chapter 18, verses 1 to 30. In this parsha we read of the statutes Hashem gave Israel, not to walk in the ways of Egypt or Canaan, and of a people called to live by His laws.If this reading belongs in someone’s week, send it on. Subscribe if you want the next one.This is Parsha in Plain English. Gmar k
Yom Kippur Maftir Torah Reading Numbers 29:7-11
Yom Kippur Maftir Torah Reading Numbers 29:7-11 Sep 20, 2026 01:25 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is the Maftir Torah reading for Yom Kippur: Numbers chapter 29, verses 7 to 11. On this day we read of the holy gathering on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day of afflicting the soul, and the offerings set apart for Hashem.Keep this close if it served you, and share it with someone who may want it too.This is Parsha in Plain English. Gmar khatimah t
Torah Reading for Yom Kippur Morning Leviticus 16:1-34
Torah Reading for Yom Kippur Morning Leviticus 16:1-34 Sep 20, 2026 05:59 Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.This is the Torah reading for Yom Kippur morning: Leviticus chapter 16, verses 1 to 34. We read of the day of atonement, the two goats, and the one time each year the high priest entered the holy place.If this reading was useful to you, subscribe, and send it to someone who may want it too.This is Parsha in Plain English. Gmar khatimah tovah.

Recommended