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Jewish Thoughtflow

58 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratings

A podcast aimed at exploring the depths of Jewish thought from a Torah-authentic viewpoint.

Judaism Religion & Spirituality Education Courses god theology hashkafa torah jewishthought judaism philosophy
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Episodes

Noah's Ark - Mistaken Premises of Biblical Criticism

November 07, 2022 15:26 - 41 minutes - 18 MB

Over 4000 years ago, Hashem decided to restart the world, destroying the earth, and its inhabitants in a great flood. Only through building the ark were Noach and his family able to survive, and save enough animals for the world to continue. This story, described in the beginning of Genesis, has been subjected to many questions. How did Noach have the capability to build such an advanced ship? How did he collect all the animals? How did they fit? Why is there so much localized human diversit...

The History of Kabbalah - From Sinai to Tzfas

July 22, 2022 03:17 - 41 minutes - 18 MB

Ever wonder where Kabbalah comes from? Was it a system of thought developed in the middle ages, or an oral tradition dating back to Har Sinai? What do Nevuah and Kabbalah have in common? Does our Kabbalistic mesorah have the same strength as our halachik mesorah? All this and more on the latest episode of Jewish Thoughtflow! For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at [email protected] or whatsapp following this link: https://wa.me/message/V7Y76456IVZQK1

Abortion In Halacha - Abridged Version

July 12, 2022 22:26 - 7 minutes - 3.16 MB

Abortion in Halacha and Hashkafa, abridged version. For more information, please listen to the main version! For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at [email protected] or whatsapp following this link: https://wa.me/message/V7Y76456IVZQK1

Conversations - Morality Without God Ft. Avi Cohen

July 12, 2022 20:36 - 1 hour - 27.2 MB

Jewish Thoughtflow Presents: Coversations - Morality Without God Ft. Avi Cohen What ways do atheists attempt to explain right and wrong? What is the problem with naturalistic morality? Is right and wrong a function of physical pleasure? Do we naturally sense what is good and what is evil, and can that feeling ever influence particular decisions? Join us in a fascinating conversation with Avi Cohen and gain new perspectives on morality, religion, and God. For all questions, comments, and conc...

Abortion In Halacha

July 06, 2022 01:17 - 50 minutes - 22 MB

What is the halacha regarding abortion? Is it different for Jews and non-Jews? Why do atheists shift so much and so quickly on moral issues? Was Roe V. Wade being overturned a good thing for Jews? For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at [email protected] or whatsapp following this link: https://wa.me/message/V7Y76456IVZQK1 

Creating Darkness - The Nature of Absence (Abridged Version)

April 01, 2022 19:43 - 7 minutes - 3.22 MB

What is Darkness? Was it created, or just our description of 'lack of light'? What does science have to say, and do we care? All this and more, in our new 7 minute format, Abridged Jewish Thoughtflow

The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri (Abridged Version)

March 28, 2022 19:00 - 7 minutes - 3.16 MB

INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW FORMAT!!! For those who don't have a 45 minute attention span, we have condensed the basic sugya into a manageable 7 minutes. For more information, please listen to the regular version!

The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri

March 28, 2022 18:50 - 51 minutes - 22.5 MB

Were the Luchos written in Ksav Ivri or Ksav Ashuri? Is there psak in Hashkafa? Did Ezra really create a new Ksav? Did the Jews steal their holy ksav from the goyim? Was the ע in the Luchos floating? Join Jewish Thoughtflow as we tackle these questions and more on the latest episode - The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri?

Purim Fest 1946 - The fascinating connection between Amalek and the Nazis

March 11, 2022 19:13 - 27 minutes - 12 MB

A fascinating read on it's own right, the Megillah contains amazing hints to the history of the Jews. From the Pogroms in 1648, to the holocaust, the letters in the Megillah foretell the future suffering at the hands of Amalek through history. Perhaps the most famous of which, is the hanging of the ten Nazis following WWII. While many have heard of the famous words shouted at the gallows, the immense amount of hints and references contained in the Megillah will amaze even the most skeptical ...

600,000 Jews Took Leave of Egypt, One Jew Took Leave of His Senses.

February 16, 2022 19:41 - 1 hour - 31.3 MB

600,000 Jews left Mitzrayim - The problem with Archeology

February 16, 2022 19:41 - 1 hour - 31.3 MB

Although Hashem tells us 600,00 Jews left Mitzrayim, and traveled through the desert, many academics don't understand how it's possible. Where is the archeological evidence? Wouldn't that make them the biggest nation? Why are there so few firstborns? How did they eat?  To many of you who graduated 3rd grade, these questions should sound familiar, and the answer clear. Unfortunately, most biblical critics, and even scholars, appear to have been absent those days. Join Jewish Thoughtflow as ...

Creating Darkness

January 16, 2022 19:37 - 53 minutes - 23.5 MB

Creating Darkness - The Nature of Absence

January 16, 2022 19:37 - 53 minutes - 23.5 MB

What is darkness? Is it just the absence of light, or is it an independent existence which expresses itself outside of light. Why does the Maharsha say it is heresy to say Hashem didn't create darkness? Why is this question relavant? Join Jewish Thoughflow in another fascinating episode, where we do a deep dive into the nature of darkness, the difference between theory and Torah, and the distinction between absence and nothing. More than just a fun mental exercise, understanding this will h...

The Techeiles Debate - An Overview

December 22, 2021 03:58 - 50 minutes - 21.8 MB

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r-N1QQkMcilK7y7JS8sHghD-fEtmURc1/view?usp=sharingfile:///Users/user/Downloads/Chilazon%20Identity%20Chapter%202-3.PDFPamphlet Regarding the species of the Chilazon - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-1cpXr7LPHy5OMKuYYuHKZ7KEZqX0mUgDxapJ5J9u0E/edit?usp=sharing Pamphlet regarding sources in gemara and rishonim dealing with the Chilazon chapters 2-3 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-nmQrxrkit6LDfhFNnOXg_bBigClkyle/view?usp=sharing 4-7 - https://drive.goog...

The Techeiles Debate - 26 Questions on the Moderen Techeiles

December 22, 2021 03:58 - 50 minutes - 21.8 MB

Pamphlet Regarding the species of the Chilazon - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JwOXsYuawlltkpzLYgfv7YbEhbOqq2yC/view?usp=sharing Pamphlet regarding sources in gemara and rishonim dealing with the Chilazon chapters:  2-3 -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-nmQrxrkit6LDfhFNnOXg_bBigClkyle/view?usp=sharing 4-7 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QEeLBSeVu6R1KZbvGirOrRQtUYRQHC5w/view?usp=sharing 7-8 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/12pwWVExIJOPxvEBS_ytndQm0X0N25Lak/view?usp=sharing Tes...

The Techeiles debate - Part 1

November 29, 2021 03:54 - 58 minutes - 25.4 MB

With the rediscovery of the Murex's dying capabilities came a reborn interest in finding the Chilazon, the source of the 'Biblical Blue' Techeiles. From Reb Herzog's thesis, to Prof. Elsner's discovery, and finally Rabbi Eliyahu Tavger co-founding the ptil-tekhelet institute, the Murex has a rich history, and has convinced many that we have finally found the elusive chilazon. However, many remain unconvinced. Despite the fact that we have found mounds and mounds of Murex shells in obvious d...

Branches of the Menorah - Curved or Straight

November 28, 2021 01:47 - 34 minutes - 15.1 MB

Were the branches of the menorah straight or curved? If you ask your average person (try it) you will generally recieve the response: It's a machlokes Rishonim. If you ask a more academic leaning person, the answer may be 'it was definitely rounded, haven't you seen the arch?'. However, the Lubavitcher Rebbe was adament that it was in fact straight. Who is correct? Please subscribe to Jewish thoughtflow's WhatsApp status. An easy way to stay up to date, and discuss the episodes. All you ...

The Techeiles debate - Part 2

August 25, 2021 16:24 - 40 minutes - 17.4 MB

After shedding light on the history of the Chilazon and the Murex respectively, we know turn our attention to the descriptions given in the gemara and rishonim, starting with the most important question: What species was the Chilazon? After establishing the species, the aesthetic of the Chilazon must be compared to our foundering candidate. What does a fish look like? What color is the sea? Think those are easy questions? Think again. Join us in part two of the fascinating topic sweeping acr...

Cracking the Murex Shell - Matching the Gemara's description of the Chilazon to the Murex

August 25, 2021 16:24 - 40 minutes - 17.4 MB

After shedding light on the history of the Chilazon and the Murex respectively, we know turn our attention to the descriptions given in the gemara and rishonim, starting with the most important question: What species was the Chilazon? After establishing the species, the aesthetic of the Chilazon must be compared to our foundering candidate. What does a fish look like? What color is the sea? Think those are easy questions? Think again. Join us in part two of the fascinating topic sweeping acr...

Trapping the Murex - Exploring the viability of Hexaplex Trunculus as the Chilazon

August 18, 2021 18:44 - 58 minutes - 25.4 MB

With the rediscovery of the Murex's dying capabilities came a reborn interest in finding the Chilazon, the source of the 'Biblical Blue' Techeiles. From Reb Herzog's thesis, to Prof. Elsner's discovery, and finally Rabbi Eliyahu Tavger co-founding the ptil-tekhelet institute, the Murex has a rich history, and has convinced many that we have finally found the elusive chilazon. However, many remain unconvinced. Despite the fact that we have found mounds and mounds of Murex shells in obvious d...

Eilu V'Eilu Divrei Elokim Chaim

June 08, 2021 22:55 - 42 minutes - 18.5 MB

The Un-mysterious Origins of Lag B'Omer

April 26, 2021 21:48 - 32 minutes - 14.2 MB

The Aguna Problem

April 09, 2021 01:00 - 31 minutes - 13.6 MB

Why Lady Justice Should Have Been a Man

March 04, 2021 19:56 - 28 minutes - 12.2 MB

Nashim Da'aton Kalos - Understanding the Women's Intellect

February 04, 2021 13:05 - 36 minutes - 15.8 MB

נשים דעתן קלות - Roughly translated as "Women's intellect is light/weak", this phrase has, by many, been slotted into the "ancient misogynistic attitudes" category. For, as is well known, women are just as capable as men at intellectual capabilities. Differences between men and women are caused by social stigma, and have been rapidly decreasing as our societies become more egalitarian. Just look at average SAT math scores, which had men outperforming women at rates of 10:1 in the 80's, and j...

Was the Akeida Evil? Part 3

November 24, 2020 01:04 - 27 minutes - 12.2 MB

Was the Akeida Evil? - Part 3: The Solution

November 24, 2020 01:04 - 27 minutes - 12.2 MB

Was the Akeida Evil - Part 2: The Problems

November 17, 2020 19:08 - 33 minutes - 14.8 MB

In part 1 we examined a few different methods of having morality without religion, ranging from an innate sense of morality, to a strictly logical (slightly robotic) version aimed at creating the perfect society ("perfect" again being subject to numerous theories). In Part two we begin to question these theories. Is it truly possible, without a God, to come up with rules which will actually lead to a Perfect society? If the only reason I'm listening to God is because this will lead to the bes...

Was the Akeida Evil Part 2

November 17, 2020 19:08 - 33 minutes - 14.8 MB

Was the Akeida Evil??- Part 1

November 11, 2020 19:11 - 31 minutes - 14.1 MB

Naturalistic vs God Given Morality - Part 1

November 11, 2020 19:11 - 31 minutes - 14.1 MB

Was the Akeida Evil?? - Part 1: The Setup

November 11, 2020 19:11 - 31 minutes - 14.1 MB

Where does morality come from? Is it an innate sense of justice that all humans share? Is it a system of "should"s and "shouldn't"s aimed to create the best society? The best personal experience? Or can it only exist in a God-Given Code of rights and wrongs?

Age of the Universe Part 2

November 01, 2020 23:54 - 50 minutes - 22.1 MB

Age of the Universe Part 2: The Omphalos Hypothesis

November 01, 2020 23:54 - 50 minutes - 22.1 MB

After establishing the rules of reinterpretation in episode one, we move on to the greater challenge of actually dealing with the problem at hand. The verses say one age, thee science says another. What to do, what to do. Perhaps if the verses can't be taken non-literally, science can. Maybe the scientists have made a colossal blunder! Perhaps the light moves faster than we think, every dating method is off (conveniently so, as the mistake doesn't apply to any of the practical sciences), and...

Age of the Universe part 1: Taking verses non-literally

October 25, 2020 23:26 - 43 minutes - 19.1 MB

The Age of the Universe has been debated for millennium. The Jewish perspective through the years has been, for the most part, that the universe was created approximately 5781 years ago. The Non-Jewish perspective has shifted from Eternal, popularized by the great philosophers Aristotle and Plato, to a more finite number in the mid 19th century, which has slowly (and sometimes quickly) grew from 10's of millions, to the current number scientists run with today; 13.81 billion years old. As we...

Age of the Universe Part 1

October 25, 2020 23:26 - 43 minutes - 19.1 MB

The Age of the Universe has been debated for millennium. The Jewish perspective through the years has been, for the most part, that the universe was created approximately 5781 years ago. The Non-Jewish perspective has shifted from Eternal, popularized by the great philosophers Aristotle and Plato, to a more finite number in the mid 19th century, which has slowly (and sometimes quickly) grew from 10's of millions, to the current number scientists run with today; 13.81 billion years old. As we...

Where Did All the Women Go?

October 01, 2020 18:08 - 1 hour - 26.4 MB

Women's faces are mysteriously absent from many religious publications, and many are surprised or disgusted by this omission. Isn't this objectifying women? Isn't this presenting the nature of man in a horrible light? Why is the woman's job to protect men? Join us as we explore the nature of man, the nature of women, and the Torah's philosophy to perfect both. Please like, subscribe and SHARE! any questions, comments, concerns, can be addressed to [email protected], or through per...

Mailbag #3 Should Jews Support Black Lives Matter?

September 17, 2020 19:42 - 32 minutes - 14.2 MB

Should Jews be involved in social activism? Do police exhibit excessive NON-lethal force towards blacks? Does disparity in races imply racism? Avi and Mottie answer questions from the listeners about their controversial episode "Should Jews Support Black Lives Matter?"

Should Jews Support Black Lives Matter?

September 14, 2020 01:14 - 1 hour - 28.7 MB

Avi and Mottie explore the roots, ideas, and claims of the popular Black Lives Matter Movement in an attempt to discover if its an organization that the Jewish Community should support. Hint, we did not think so.

Mailbag on the Difference between Jewish and Non-Jewish Souls

September 01, 2020 18:03 - 52 minutes - 23.2 MB

Avi and Mottie answer questions on the difference between Jewish and Non-Jewish Souls, They clarify many ideas including why differences are moral, how we know those differences are inherent, and why is this conversation so important. To be part of the conversation, email us at [email protected]

The Rambam’s view on the “Jewish” Soul

August 17, 2020 21:58 - 43 minutes - 19.2 MB

In last weeks episode we explored an abundance of sources explicitly expressing the supremacy (at least in areas of spirituality) of the Jewish soul. Not withstanding this unanimous consensus, the academics think they have found the sole (soul) dissenter: Maimomides. Unfortunately, they may have missed a few sources. Join us as we delve into the plethora of sources from the Rambams extensive corpus, as we attempt to discover the Truth of the Rambams philosophical outlook on the Jewish Soul. ...

A Tale of Two Rambams

August 17, 2020 21:58 - 43 minutes - 19.2 MB

In last weeks episode we explored an abundance of sources explicitly expressing the supremacy (at least in areas of spirituality) of the Jewish soul. Not withstanding this unanimous consensus, the academics think they have found the sole (soul) dissenter: Maimomides. Unfortunately, they may have missed a few sources. Join us as we delve into the plethora of sources from the Rambams extensive corpus, as we attempt to discover the Truth of the Rambams philosophical outlook on the Jewish Soul. ...

A Tale of Two Souls

August 05, 2020 18:26 - 25 minutes - 11.1 MB

Hi Guys! Please excuse the error early on, it got past our professional team of editors. As usual sources are below, and feel free to contact us at [email protected] so you can be part of a mailbag episode. 

Torah and Slavery

July 26, 2020 17:30 - 40 minutes - 17.9 MB

We are finally back after our Corona Hiatus, and better than ever. The show is joined by Co-host Mottie Cohen as we continue to examine Torah's worldview. As usual, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We do Mailbox episodes! IMPORTANT CORRECTION. Rebbi Eliezer ben Parata lived after Gamliel who had the slave Tevi, so Gamliel cannot be used as a counter-proof to the idea that Jews did in fact continue to own slaves. However, it is clear from the story itself...

The Sinai Proof Part 5

March 01, 2020 02:32 - 5 hours - 10.3 MB

Hey Guys! Please email me with all of your questions at Jewishthoughtflow.com! Also, if you are enjoying please share!!

Mailbag Episode #1

February 18, 2020 20:15 - 6 hours - 10.5 MB

Our first ever mailbag episode. If you write in, your questions will be answered! Please Share!

The Sinai Proof Part 4

February 10, 2020 21:34 - 7 hours - 10 MB

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay. As usual the transcript will be attached and you can reach me at [email protected]. Please share!

The Sinai Proof Part 3

December 05, 2019 01:10 - 21 hours - 10.6 MB

Hey guys, attached you should find a Transcript including sources. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Jewishthoughtflow.com. If your questions are good we may even bring them up in the next episode.

The Sinai Proof 2

November 24, 2019 18:59 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

Hey Guys! Below you should find the sources and attached you should find the transcript. For questions or comments email me at [email protected].               Source #1 Sanhedrin 21b תניא רבי יוסי אומר ראוי היה עזרא שתינתן תורה על ידו לישראל אילמלא (לא) קדמו משה במשה הוא אומר (שמות יט, ג) ומשה עלה אל האלהים בעזרא הוא אומר (עזרא ז, ו) הוא עזרא עלה מבבל.