Moses’ fourth argument after the sin of the golden calf is that G-d should remember the merit of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What, exactly, is this merit, and whom does it affect? Plus: the importance of wearing seat belts, and the real-life reality of the rewind button.

According to an ancient tradition, Abraham was thrown into a fiery furnace because of his faith – yet he survived. How did this moment forever affect the future of the People of Israel?

Each of the ancestors of the Jewish People contributed something unique to the Jewish story and the Israelite DNA. What was the specific merit that came from Isaac?

How exactly does the merit of the forefathers mitigate the divine punishments of fire, sword, and exile? Join David and Scott to learn about “zechut avot” – the merit of the fathers.

There is an ancient Jewish tradition that claims that the merit of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be used up – and, in fact, was used up many years ago. Yet Jewish liturgy constantly invokes the merit of the fathers, as well. What’s going on?

On the one hand, Jewish tradition says that the merit of the forefathers was used up during the First Temple period; on the other hand, our ancestors are mentioned to this day in Jewish liturgy, and we see their merit hinted at in the Bible even after the First Temple’s destruction. Join David and Scott...