HeyJaredSparks of History
Sparks of History Podcast features insightful and entertaining interviews with renown world historians. Our experts, including Pulitzer Prize winners, provide deep knowledge and unique perspectives. Connecting World History with Jewish History.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 7
- Latest publication
- Sep 17, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 30, 2026
Latest episodes
Haazinu: One Text, Two Lives—The Life-Saving Power of Attention | Episode 7 (opens the original)
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How much can one moment of inattention cost? In 2006, nineteen-year-old Reggie Shaw was exchanging text messages while driving to work in Utah. His vehicle crossed the center line, setting in motion a collision that killed James Furfaro and Keith O’Dell. Reggie accepted responsibility and has since shared his story with thousands, hoping others will learn from his mistake without paying the same terrible price. In Parashat Haazinu, Moshe tells the Jewish people, “Set your hearts upon all the wor
What Do Columbus and the Moon Landing Have to Do With Driving? | Nitzavim–Vayelech (opens the original)
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What do Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, and the way we drive have in common? Columbus crossed the sea. Armstrong walked on the moon. Yet in Parashat Nitzavim, Moshe teaches us that the Torah is neither in the heavens nor across the sea: “The matter is very close to you—in your mouth and in your heart—so that you can fulfill it.” Becoming a safer, more patient, and more considerate driver does not require an extraordinary journey. It begins within us—with our attitude, our words, and the ve
A “Joyride” Ended in Tragedy—What Is Real Joy? | Ki Tavo (opens the original)
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A 13-year-old driving a stolen car with seven children crashed into another vehicle—killing William Vance Payne, a husband and father of five, and critically injuring two children. What may have begun as a “joyride” ended in tragedy. So what is real joy—and how can it change the way we drive? Parashat Ki Tavo connects two powerful ideas: hakarat hatov—gratitude—and simcha—joy. Through the mitzvah of Bikkurim, the Torah teaches us to stop, notice our blessings, and appreciate them. Gratitude chan
Ki Teitzei: See the Danger, Build the Fence (opens the original)
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Ki Teitzei: See the Danger. Build the Fence. What does an eight-year-old girl driving ten miles to Target have to do with Parashat Ki Teitzei? More than you might think. The Torah commands us to build a maakeh —a guardrail—to prevent foreseeable danger. But that responsibility extends far beyond rooftops. It means recognizing risks before someone gets hurt and taking reasonable steps to prevent harm. In this episode of Driving Through the Parsha , Ari Lieberman explores what the mitzvah of maake
Parashat Shoftim: Knowing What’s Right—and Doing It | Driving Through the Parsha (opens the original)
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What does Parashat Shoftim teach us about the way we drive? The Torah tells us, “Shoftim v’shotrim titen lecha b’chol she’arecha” — “Appoint judges and officers for yourself in all your gates.” Rabbi Chaim Vital offers a powerful insight: these “gates” can also refer to our own senses and the ways we interact with the world. A shofet —a judge—knows what is right. A shoter —an officer—makes sure that knowing leads to doing. That lesson becomes especially meaningful behind the wheel. We know not t
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