The Jewish Thought Project
123 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsWe consume ideas in small, scattered pieces. As a result, we have little clarity or depth of understanding on the most fundamental questions of our beliefs. My goal is to educate the Jewish community on authentic Jewish Thought in a clear and engaging way.
In this podcast, we'll explore the domain of Jewish thought in a deep and comprehensive manner. We'll looks at big picture philosophical questions as well as the smaller nuances that exist in all areas of belief. We'll also sit down with different Jewish leaders and discuss contemporary issues, current events, and the Jewish Year Cycle.
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Episodes
Should We Show Mercy to Our Enemies- Learning For Israel
October 23, 2023 14:25 - 11 minutes - 15.9 MBThe question of whether mercy has any place in war is a very sensitive one, and it has life and death implications. Mercy is a clear Torah value, but the precedent set by our forefathers in wartime paints a more complex picture.
Are All Prayers Answered- Learning For Israel
October 22, 2023 18:49 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBOne of the most difficult religious struggles to grapple with is unanswered tefilot. We can pour our hearts out to God for days or weeks, but when we aren't answered it's extremely difficult to keep going. And sometimes, when the answer comes it's not what we were hoping for. We're going to look at precedent in the Torah for unanswered prayers and how to handle them.
Is This The Geulah- Learning For Israel
October 22, 2023 18:47 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBWe spoke last week about the seeing wars as connected to the redemption. If this is part of the Geulah what we should we be expecting now? Where is Mashiach? Where is the Beit Hamikdash?
Is Fear a Lack of Faith- Learning For Israel
October 18, 2023 08:09 - 11 minutes - 15.3 MBIt's a frighting and uncertain time for Klal Yisrael. We are being threatened on multiple borders and are awaiting an imminent ground invasion. The Torah tells us very clearly not to be afraid in these circumstances. But Why? What is so bad about such a natural emotional response and what, if anything, can be done about it?
Celebrating The Death of Our Enemies- Learning For Israel
October 18, 2023 08:06 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBAs Tzahal continues to eliminate the terrorists responsible for last week's attack, some complex questions arise regarding the appropriate response to death of our enemies.
Coming Together As One- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:14 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBWe've all felt in the past week how in times of great difficulty Am Yisrael joins together in a way that knows no bounds. The roots of our interconnectivity run deep and are hinted to in the very first encounter that Hashem has with Avraham Avinu. Today we explore those roots in depth.
War, Part of God's Greater Plan- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:12 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBWar is not a foreign concept in the Torah. We have countless stories of war on their heroes as well as Halachot that pertain specifically to wartime. Today we discuss the Hashkafa of war and its role in the context of Hashem larger plan.
The Power of Torah to Change the World- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:10 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBMy goal with these videos is to spread Torah to all of Klal Yisrael. I believe that learning Torah is the most powerful tool we have to impact the world around us. In this video we discuss how that works.
Unity Isn't Uniformity- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:06 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MBToday we discuss the Torah perspective on a practical vision for unity. I've heard several people over the past few days express the sentiment that perhaps the devastating situation we're in is in someway related to the recent growing fracture in our nation. I'm in no position to diagnose the situation neither from a practical-political perspective not from a divine-spiritual perspective. However, having been in Israel during Operation Protective Edge, I saw first hand how war has the pow...
Why Daven, God Knows What I Need- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:05 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBMany of us have increased our Tefillot in the past couple days, but some of us may be grappling with the fundamental questions of Tefilla. Hashem Know what we need. If He wanted to the to change the circumstances he would, and if He doesn't want to why would asking make a difference? Today we'll take some time to discuss purpose and utility of prayer.
Responding To Tragedy- Learning For Israel
October 15, 2023 13:02 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBIn the aftermath of the tragic events that have unfolded over the past couple days, we may be experience many difficult emotions and struggling with many difficult questions. I thought we should start our learning for the protection and well being of Israel and its occupants by addressing the appropriate religious response to tragedy.
Ep. 5- Fathers and Philosophers: Biblical Origin Stories
September 28, 2023 10:52 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBAvraham- A revolutionary theological figure who altered the course of history with his unique relationship with God... Or so we were told. In this episode we jump into the Avraham stories without our preconceived notions and we find a different narrative. Then we bridge the gaps.
Ep. 4- Walking Before God: Biblical Origin Stories
September 08, 2023 10:42 - 53 minutes - 78.6 MBWe're given almost no information about Avraham before he was chosen for perhaps the most important mission in History. This week we begin analyzing the rise of Avraham, his mysterious history, and how he revolutionized the way that we interact with God.
Walking With God- Biblical Origin Stories
August 31, 2023 14:51 - 1 hour - 73 MBThis week we examine the story of Noach --Noach is described as a completely righteous individual, as having found favor in God's eyes, and as someone who walks with God. Chazal insist on comparing him to Avraham, and, on every metric Noach falls short. This may seem harsh, and overly judgmental, but Chazal are hinting to us the main theme of Noach's story.
Ep. 3- Walking With God: Biblical Origin Stories
August 31, 2023 14:51 - 1 hour - 73 MBThis week we examine the story of Noach --Noach is described as a completely righteous individual, as having found favor in God's eyes, and as someone who walks with God. Chazal insist on comparing him to Avraham, and, on every metric Noach falls short. This may seem harsh, and overly judgmental, but Chazal are hinting to us the main theme of Noach's story.
Humanity's Fatal Flaw- Biblical Origin Stories
August 24, 2023 13:57 - 1 hour - 124 MBToday we explore the events of Gan Eden and illuminate how each detail gives us insight into the religious nature of human beings.
Ep. 2- Humanity's Fatal Flaw: Biblical Origin Stories
August 24, 2023 13:57 - 1 hour - 124 MBToday we explore the events of Gan Eden and illuminate how each detail gives us insight into the religious nature of human beings.
Ep. 1- Genesis: Biblical Origin Stories
August 18, 2023 11:17 - 53 minutes - 78.4 MBIn this episode we begin a new series analyzing the major themes and main characters in Bereishit in a way which is both true to the text and consistent with the traditional interpretation of our Sages.
Genesis- Biblical Origin Stories
August 18, 2023 11:17 - 53 minutes - 78.4 MBIn this episode we begin a new series analyzing the major themes and main characters in Bereishit in a way which is both true to the text and consistent with the traditional interpretation of our Sages.
Ep. 8- The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth: Hashkafat Hatorah
June 14, 2023 06:32 - 39 minutes - 19.3 MBWe explore the metaphysical significance of Israel and it’s ability to connect heaven and earth.
The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
June 14, 2023 06:32 - 39 minutes - 19.3 MBWe explore the metaphysical significance of Israel and it’s ability to connect heaven and earth.
The Metaphysical Bond Between Heaven and Earth
June 14, 2023 06:32 - 39 minutes - 19.3 MBWe explore the metaphysical significance of Israel and it’s ability to connect heaven and earth.
Ep. 7- Judaism V. Nationalism- Confronting Our Identity Crisis: Hashkafat Hatorah
June 13, 2023 12:56 - 43 minutes - 21.1 MBWe explore the foundation of our national identity as well as the balance the Torah prescribes between the nation and the individual.
Balancing Individualism and collectivism
June 13, 2023 12:56 - 43 minutes - 21.1 MBWe explore the foundation of our national identity as well as the balance the Torah prescribes between the nation and the individual.
Ep. 7- Individual Judaism V. Collective Judaism: Hashkafat Hatorah
June 13, 2023 12:56 - 43 minutes - 21.1 MBWe explore the foundation of our national identity as well as the balance the Torah prescribes between the nation and the individual.
Individual Judaism V. Collective Judaism
June 13, 2023 12:56 - 43 minutes - 21.1 MBWe explore the foundation of our national identity as well as the balance the Torah prescribes between the nation and the individual.
Mesorah- The Evolution of Ideas
May 30, 2023 14:56 - 44 minutes - 64.4 MBAfter detailing the development of Jewish Law we turn our attention to the development of Jewish Thought.
Mesorah: The 70 Faces of Torah
May 16, 2023 14:41 - 51 minutes - 75.2 MBIn this episode we explore the theological difficulties associated with debate around the word of God and the Torah perspective that there can be more than one correct answer.
Mesorah- Exploring the Talmud
May 02, 2023 13:12 - 49 minutes - 23.8 MBAfter discussing the transmission of Torah from Moshe to Mishna we go on to discuss the next stage of our mesorah - the Talmud.
Mesorah: Exploring the Talmud
May 02, 2023 13:12 - 49 minutes - 23.8 MBAfter discussing the transmission of Torah from Moshe to Mishna we go on to discuss the next stage of our mesorah - the Talmud.
Mesorah: From Sinai to Mishna
April 18, 2023 14:46 - 46 minutes - 69.6 MBThis is the first episode of a multipart series exploring the transmission and development of Torah from Sinai to today. We're focusing on the development of our tradition from Sinai until the Mishna. In order to a convey a complex topic in a clear and concise fashion some points of discussion are simplified. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Ep. 6- How Torah Changes The World: Hashkafat Hatorah
March 21, 2023 15:41 - 36 minutes - 17 MBWe explore the unique nature of the Torah and its irreplicable contribution to society
How Torah Changes The World
March 21, 2023 15:41 - 36 minutes - 17 MBWe explore the unique nature of the Torah and its irreplicable contribution to society
True Religions Don’t Fear Facts- Building A Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 50.9 MBThe apparent contradictions between religious belief and scientific discovery are a topic of much debate. We’ll explore four different approaches to reconciling science and religion, their strengths, and their weaknesses.
Ep. 5- The Central Idea of the Entire Torah: Hashkafat Hatorah
January 31, 2023 16:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBWe've discussed the content of the Torah, the sefarim, the stories, and the halachot, but now we need to look deeper. What are the central ideas that the entire Torah is trying to get across?
The Central Idea of the Entire Torah- Building A Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 16:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBWe've discussed the content of the Torah, the sefarim, the stories, and the halachot, but now we need to look deeper. What are the central ideas that the entire Torah is trying to get across?
Torah, Tanach, and Torah Shebaal Peh- Building a Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 16:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBWe'll take a look at the word Torah and what the name may suggest about the book itself. In addition, we'll give a brief overview of Torah Shebichtav and Baal Peh as well as what it contains.
Ep. 4- Torah, Tanach, and Torah Shebaal Peh: Hashkafat Hatorah
January 31, 2023 16:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBWe'll take a look at the word Torah and what the name may suggest about the book itself. In addition, we'll give a brief overview of Torah Shebichtav and Baal Peh as well as what it contains.
Ep. 3- Learning Machshava Part III: Hashkafat Hatorah
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 48 minutes - 45 MBHaving discussed the origins and parameters of Jewish ideas, today we'll discuss the process by which those ideas are integrated into our broader belief system.
Learning Machshava Part III- Building A Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 48 minutes - 45 MBHaving discussed the origins and parameters of Jewish ideas, today we'll discuss the process by which those ideas are integrated into our broader belief system.
Ep. 2- Learning Machshava Part II: Hashkafat Hatorah
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 1 hour - 38.9 MBIn this episode we examine the difference between philosophy and Jewish Thought, as well as where we learn authentic Jewish Ideas.
Learning Machshava Part II- Building A Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 1 hour - 38.9 MBIn this episode we examine the difference between philosophy and Jewish Thought, as well as where we learn authentic Jewish Ideas.
Ep. 1- Learning Machshava Part I: Hashkafat Hatorah
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 56 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode we explore the emphasis that the Torah places on learning Machshava (Jewish thought and ideas) —as well as the broader purpose that it serves.
Learning Machshava Part I- Building A Hashkafa
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 56 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode we explore the emphasis that the Torah places on learning Machshava (Jewish thought and ideas) —as well as the broader purpose that it serves.
Taking Faith Into Our Own Hands- Thoughts on Sukot
January 31, 2023 15:59 - 43 minutes - 71.7 MBSukot has so many different unique Mitzvot and ideas. In this episode we’ll explore the common theme between them.
Building a Relationship with God-Thoughts on Yom Kippur
January 31, 2023 15:58 - 55 minutes - 90.5 MBIn preparation for Yom Kippur, we explore a new avenue through which we can relate to God- A relationship. How does this understanding improve our Yom Kipur and our religious practice year round.
What is the Afterlife: Nachmanides- Exploring Jewish Thought
January 31, 2023 15:58 - 1 hour - 28.7 MBWe’re exploring the concepts of heaven and hell, The Garden of Eden, the Messianic Era, and the Afterlife in the thought of Nachmanides.
Why Heaven Isn’t in the Torah- Exploring Jewish Thought
January 31, 2023 15:58 - 42 minutes - 20.4 MBOne of the pillars of our faith is that punishment and reward await us in the next world in accordance with our behavior in this world. It’s a fundamental believe, but it receives no mentioning in the Torah.
Why God Created the World Part 2- Exploring Jewish Thought
January 31, 2023 15:57 - 43 minutes - 20.8 MBWe find in the Talmud and Rishonim short ideas on the creation of the world that leave much to the imagination. We’ll explore those ideas and the depth behind them.
Why God Created the World: Part 1- Exploring Jewish Thought
January 31, 2023 15:57 - 45 minutes - 21.7 MBUnderstanding the larger ideological implications of why God Created the world.