JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Confronting the Challenges of This Generation
99 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsDo you have questions that the educational system didn't adequately address? Today, there are many who don't find Torah to be compelling or relevant as we are faced with unprecedented challenges such as the OTD phenomenon, suppression of ideas, cover-ups, assimilation, skepticism, biblical criticism, charlatanism, atheism, and a slew of other existential threats. As 2 lifelong Sepharadi friends, we decided to create the Torah content we couldn't find elsewhere: long-form discussions with thinkers from various areas of expertise, presenting unique insights that inspire a return to fundamentals. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support
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Episodes
Episode 92: Dr. William Lane Craig "Rational Arguments for God's Existence"
April 11, 2024 01:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBIn this enlightening episode, we sit down with renowned philosopher and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig to navigate the intricate intersections of faith, science, and philosophy. Our conversation opens with Dr. Craig elucidating his stance on 'Creation Ex Nihilo,' integrating theological doctrine with contemporary scientific understanding, particularly in relation to the Big Bang theory. He explains why 'Creation Ex Deo' is in direct opposition to the biblical narrative, challenging the no...
Episode 91: Frank Meeink "Chronicles of a Recovering Skinhead"
April 03, 2024 22:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MB"Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead (Story as Told to Jody M. Roy, Ph.D.)" is a gripping narrative of Frank Meeink's journey into the depths of the neo-Nazi underworld in America, and his subsequent emergence from a life filled with hatred and substance abuse. Growing up in a violent environment in South Philadelphia set Frank on a path towards hatred, and his struggles with addiction left him vulnerable to the influence of a few skinhead gang recruiters. By the age of 16, he had risen t...
Episode 90: Professor Daniel C. Matt "Becoming Elijah"
March 27, 2024 21:00 - 2 hours - 111 MBIn this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Daniel Matt discuss his book "Becoming Elijah." He explores Elijah's evolving role through history, focusing on his transformative character from Tanakh to Talmud to Kabbalah and beyond. Dr. Matt delves into the significance of Elijah's name, his unique encounter with God on Mount Sinai compared to Moses', and the profound meaning of the qol demamah daqqah, "a sound of sheer stillness." He also examines Elijah's supposed immortality, his foretold re...
Episode 89: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss & Rabbi Dovid Campbell "Getting to Know Ralbag"
March 20, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MBIn this premiere episode of Judaism Demystified's "Getting to Know the Rishonim" series, we dive into the life and legacy of Rabbi Levi ben Gershon, also known as RaLBaG or Gersonides, a prominent medieval French Jewish philosopher, Talmudist, mathematician, physician and astronomer/astrologer. We uncover who Ralbag was, shedding light on his immense contributions not just to Jewish thought but also to the realms of science and philosophy. Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss and Rabbi Dovid Campbell share...
Episode 88: Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman "The Dead Scrolls Unearthed"
March 15, 2024 01:00 - 1 hour - 69 MBIn this highly anticipated interview with Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman, an esteemed expert in Dead Sea Scrolls studies, we explore the profound significance of these ancient manuscripts in understanding ancient Judaism and Christianity. Dr. Schiffman provides a comprehensive overview of the Dead Sea Scrolls offer invaluable insights into the religious, social, and political dynamics of the Second Temple period, shedding light on the beliefs, practices, and historical context of this pivot...
Episode 87: Dr. Lenn E. Goodman "Depopulating the Heavens"
March 03, 2024 23:00 - 2 hours - 120 MBIn this captivating episode, we welcome back Dr. Lenn E. Goodman, who introduces his new translation of the Guide to the Perplexed, a task previously undertaken by Moshe Friedlander and notably by Shlomo Pines. Dr. Goodman explains what inspired him to reinterpret this seminal work, why it's necessary, and explains his intentions to bring fresh perspectives and clarity to Maimonides' complex ideas. The discussion then turns to the inherent challenges in comprehending the Guide, stemming from...
Episode 87: Professor Lenn E. Goodman "Depopulating the Heavens"
March 03, 2024 23:00 - 2 hours - 120 MBIn this captivating episode, we welcome back Dr. Lenn E. Goodman, who introduces his new translation of the Guide to the Perplexed, a task previously undertaken by Moshe Friedlander and notably by Shlomo Pines. Dr. Goodman explains what inspired him to reinterpret this seminal work, why it's necessary, and explains his intentions to bring fresh perspectives and clarity to Maimonides' complex ideas. The discussion then turns to the inherent challenges in comprehending the Guide, stemming from ...
Episode 86: J.J. Kimche "Assessing the Gush Tanakh Method"
February 23, 2024 02:00 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBJ.J Kimche joins us once again, this time to present an overview and two critiques of the Gush Tanakh method, which has taken the Torah learning world by storm in recent years. The method developed at Yeshivat Har Etzion (commonly known as the Gush), is a comprehensive approach to studying the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. It is rooted in the belief that the text of the Tanakh is multi-layered, containing profound meanings that can be revealed through careful analysis of its language, grammar, s...
Episode 85: Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo "The Legacy of Rabbeinu Avraham Ben HaRambam"
February 16, 2024 02:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBJoin us for a captivating episode as we spotlight Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo's important book, "Understanding Ḥazal," which offers an English translation of Rabbeinu Avraham Ben HaRambam's guide to deciphering the words of our Sages. This meticulously crafted guide, complete with an elegantly typeset Hebrew translation, is enriched with insights from Ḥakhamim throughout the generations. Discover why Rabbi Berdugo believes that now, more than ever, understanding the teachings of our Sages is cruci...
Episode 84: Rabbi Dr. Marc B. Shapiro "The Rabbinic Response to the Rise of Reform"
February 08, 2024 02:00 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBRabbi Dr. Marc B. Shapiro presents the historical rise of the Reform movement and the rabbinic response to it. We explore the origins of the first generation of the Reform movement, examining Scholem’s thesis and Rabbi Shapiro’s insightful thoughts on it. We uncover the fundamental advocacies of the first-generation Reformers, their rabbinical backing and opposition, and how their beliefs diverge from contemporary Reform movements. Rabbi Shapiro provides illuminating examples of halakhic ref...
Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs. Mysticism"
February 01, 2024 02:00 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBIn this monumental episode, we interview Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, popularly known as the "Zoo Rabbi," director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Slifkin is best known for his interests in zoology, Judaism's relationship to evolution, Jewish and biblical history, and his popular website www.RationalistJudaism.com. Our focus in this discussion is his book "Rationalism vs. Mysticism: Schisms in Traditional Jewish Thought." There are specific chapters that we feel...
Episode 82: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha Ben Abuyah in the Bavli"
January 26, 2024 02:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBIn part 3 of this captivating three-part series, Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein returns to our podcast to unravel the intricate tapestry of Talmudic narratives surrounding Elisha ben Abuyah, also known as "Aḥer" (the Other), the apostate. Exploring the accounts in the Mishna, Tosefta, Talmud Yerushalmi, and Talmud Bavli, Dr. Rubenstein provides a meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons embedd...
Episode 81: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha Ben Abuyah in the Yerushalmi"
January 19, 2024 01:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBIn part 2 of this captivating three-part series, Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein returns to our podcast to unravel the intricate tapestry of Talmudic narratives surrounding Elisha ben Abuyah, also known as "Aḥer" (the Other), the apostate. Exploring the accounts in the Mishna, Tosefta, Talmud Yerushalmi, and Talmud Bavli, Dr. Rubenstein provides a meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons embedded...
Episode 80: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha Ben Abuyah in the Tosefta"
January 09, 2024 04:08 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBIn this captivating three-part series, Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein returns to our podcast to unravel the intricate tapestry of Talmudic narratives surrounding Elisha ben Abuyah, also known as "Aḥer" (the Other), the apostate. Exploring the accounts in the Mishna, Tosefta, Talmud Yerushalmi, and Talmud Bavli, Dr. Rubenstein provides a meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons embedded within t...
Episode 79: J.J. Kimche & Daniel A. Klein "Letters on Kabbalah"
December 25, 2023 13:47 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBEmbark on a fascinating journey through the corridors of Jewish history as we unravel the enigmatic and controversial discussions surrounding the authenticity of the Zohar and the profound role of Kabbalah in Jewish thought and practice. For the first time ever, J.J. Kimche and Daniel A. Klein, authors of the groundbreaking new book "Letters on Kabbalah," present an exclusive compilation of correspondences, meticulously translated into English. These monumental letters, penned by four disting...
Episode 79: J.J. Kimche & Daniel A. Klein "Letters on Kabballah"
December 25, 2023 13:47 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBEmbark on a fascinating journey through the corridors of Jewish history as we unravel the enigmatic and controversial discussions surrounding the authenticity of the Zohar and the profound role of Kabbalah in Jewish thought and practice. For the first time ever, J.J. Kimche and Daniel A. Klein, authors of the groundbreaking new book "Letters on Kabbalah," present an exclusive compilation of correspondences, meticulously translated into English. These monumental letters, penned by four distin...
Episode 78: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot "Mikra & Meaning"
September 22, 2023 03:24 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBOur discussion begins with Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot eloquently tackling the nuances of curricula, pedagogical choices, methodologies, and values in the study of Tanakh. He sheds light on how some traditional elements within the Orthodox community may potentially affect reverence for God and traditional piety, also known as "Yirat Shamayim." Rabbi Helfgot presents a compelling perspective on the attitudes of Geonic and medieval rabbis towards Midrash, and why it matters. He also highlights why ...
Episode 77: Rabbi Michael Hattin "The Challenge of the Promised Land"
September 10, 2023 21:57 - 57 minutes - 52.2 MBRabbi Michael Hattin begins by unraveling the overarching theme of the Book of Joshua, a theme that underpins the entire narrative. He provides illuminating examples from the text, particularly focusing on the intriguing interplay between divine design and human initiative, offering a fresh perspective on this complex dynamic. We then delve into Joshua's decision to send spies into the Promised Land, a controversial decision given the previous misadventure of the spies in the Book of Numbers...
Episode 76: Rabbi Nathan Laufer "Rosh Hashana Revealed"
September 05, 2023 23:48 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBPrepare to embark on a thought-provoking exploration of Rosh Hashanah like never before, as we engage in a captivating conversation with Rabbi Nathan Laufer, author of the eye-opening book "Rendezvous with God." In this interview, we unravel the enigma that is Rosh Hashanah and challenge the conventional understanding of this sacred holiday. Rabbi Laufer begins by sharing his inspiration behind writing "Rendezvous with God" and the unique methodology he employed to delve into the essence of ...
Episode 75: Elisheva Liss, LMFT "Healthy Intimate Relationships"
August 31, 2023 01:52 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBElisheva Liss, LMFT, an esteemed thought leader on cultivating healthy relationships in the frum world, unveils the complexities of premarital education, intimacy, mental health, and religious taboos across various communities. Her expert guidance illuminates the importance of open communication, shared values, and realistic expectations as the pillars of successful relationships. As she delves into the nuances of intimacy, she skillfully navigates the fusion of tradition and psychology, offe...
Episode 74: Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens "A Guide to the Jewish Undecided"
August 21, 2023 02:01 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBRabbi Dr. Sam Lebens joins us to discuss his book, "A Guide for the Jewish Undecided: A Philosopher Makes the Case for Orthodox Judaism." He explains his motivations behind writing the book and the philosophical arguments he employs to tackle the complex subject of faith and religion. First, we dive into the introductory chapter of the book, which extensively explores the concept of Jewish conversion. Rabbi Dr. Lebens elaborates on his unique perspective of Jewish conversion and how this con...
Episode 73: David Curwin "A Map to Eden"
August 17, 2023 00:36 - 50 minutes - 46 MBDavid Curwin, author of "Kohelet: A Map to Eden," shares his reasons for choosing to write a book on Kohelet and explains how Rabbi David Fohrman of Aleph Beta influenced this project. In his book, Curwin uncovers various intertextual insights in the Kohelet narrative, providing a unique perspective on the life of Shelomo HaMelekh. From a biblical narrative standpoint, Kohelet presents us with a unconventional view the human experience, offering wisdom on the pursuit of meaning in the face of...
Episode 72: Dr. Erica Brown "Kohelet and the Search for Meaning"
August 03, 2023 20:50 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBIn this captivating interview, we embark on a profound exploration of the enigmatic book of Kohelet with esteemed scholar Dr. Erica Brown. With her unique methodology and deep connection to the late, great Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l, Dr. Brown provides fascinating insights into the diverse aspects of this mysterious biblical text. Kohelet, often regarded as a perplexing addition to the biblical canon, challenges readers with its elusive genre. Dr. Erica Brown lays out the possible genres in wh...
Episode 71: Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman "The Resonating Trauma of Lamentations"
July 23, 2023 16:07 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBRabbi Dr. Joshua Berman, a renowned expert in Biblical studies, returns to the podcast and showcases the profound themes of the Book of Lamentations. In this interview, we explore the historical and theological aspects of this ancient text and shed light on its complex nature. Lamentations, a poetic book in the Hebrew Bible, holds a unique place in the biblical canon. He takes us on a journey through its haunting verses, unveiling its profound significance and multifaceted meaning. Our conve...
Episode 70: Rabbi Jeremy Wieder "The Modern Orthodox Economic Crisis"
July 18, 2023 02:35 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBThe Modern Orthodox community is currently facing financial and moral challenges posed by materialism. Rabbi Jeremy Wieder explains the impact of lavish practices, the clash between individualism and communal responsibility, and the financial and social pressures of "keeping up with the Joneses." Extravagant Passover programs, opulent celebrations, and exorbitant yeshiva tuition costs have raised concerns about inclusivity and the essence of religious values. The Rabbi provides a comprehensiv...
Episode 70: Rabbi Jeremy Weider "The Modern Orthodox Economic Crisis"
July 18, 2023 02:35 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBThe Modern Orthodox community is currently facing financial and moral challenges posed by materialism. Rabbi Jeremy Weider explains the impact of lavish practices, the clash between individualism and communal responsibility, and the financial and social pressures of "keeping up with the Joneses." Extravagant Passover programs, opulent celebrations, and exorbitant yeshiva tuition costs have raised concerns about inclusivity and the essence of religious values. The Rabbi provides a comprehensiv...
Episode 69: Scott Hertzl Cohanpour "A.I. and Religion"
July 07, 2023 01:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBJoin us for an enlightening interview with the renowned Information Technology expert Scott Hertzl Cohanpour as we explore the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into how AI works, its associated risks, and the role of moral teachings in its governance. Can the Ten Commandments guide AI? Don't miss this captivating episode, where Scott shares insights on AI's decision-making mechanisms and how it processes vast amounts of data. We also address ...
Episode 68: Dr. Yoram Hazony "Torah Values in Today's World"
June 29, 2023 23:32 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn his book Conservatism: A Rediscovery, Dr. Yoram Hazony discusses how Anglo-American conservatism became a distinctive alternative to divine-right monarchy, Puritan theocracy, and the liberal revolution — and why this idea is as much or more important today than ever before. As an Orthodox Jew, he makes the case that conservatism is a clear Torah value, and over the course of our talk, he provides Biblical support for his thesis. We also discuss why political conservatism is irrelevant wit...
Episode 67: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "Messianic Thoughts in an Age of Despair"
June 18, 2023 02:58 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBThe idea of the Messiah is both "Pandora's Box and the Elixir of Life," as Dr. Kenneth Seeskin puts it. Join us as the professor dives into the evolution of the Messianic idea throughout history and presents five distinct approaches of the sages (all of which are deeply rooted in explicit TaNaKh verses) aimed at contending with the dichotomy between the hopeful and dangerous aspects of messianism in Jewish thought. He begins by introducing us to the five categories of understanding the Messi...
Episode 66: Physics to God "God vs. The Multiverse"
June 13, 2023 00:51 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBRabbi Dr. Elie Feder and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, both passionate about the blend of religion and intellect, initially delved into the fine-tuning argument for the existence of God through literature from Smolin and Rees. Unlike the Intelligent Design argument, their focus lay in fundamental physics, not biology. They took their argument public on their former blog, devoted to teaching Talmudic analysis. The argument was refined over around 20 posts, highlighting the conflict between the multiver...
Episode 65: Dr. Brian Crawford "The Enduring Heresy"
June 08, 2023 02:22 - 2 hours - 126 MBDr. Crawford shares his experiences visiting Spain and laments the atrocity of the Expulsion and Inquisition while discussing his stance on coercion in religion as a Protestant evangelical Christian. We also learn about his journey in studying Kabbalah and Gnosticism and his feelings about Jewish persecution at the hands of the Catholic Church over the centuries. Theologically speaking, it goes without saying that we disagree with Dr. Crawford about the identity of the Messiah as well as man...
Episode 64: Reb Alex Guttman "Voodoo Judaism"
June 01, 2023 23:59 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBReb Alex Guttman explores the relationship between religion and power/control; how many leaders are afraid of losing their influence or congregation if they choose to approach matters rationally instead of the current catering of "feel-good" magical beliefs. Reb Guttman expresses concern over this recent shift in Judaism, which prioritizes instant gratification and superficial rituals at the expense of having a meaningful relationship with God. He argues that a Jew must have a goal to bring ...
Episode 63: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss "Can God Do the Impossible?"
May 28, 2023 23:40 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn this fascinating interview, Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss tackles timeless questions that have ignited debates for centuries: "Can God create a rock He can't lift?" "Can God do anything and everything?" and "Can God do the impossible?" Approaching the question first from the standpoint of logic, and then through the interpretations of prominent medieval commentators (Rambam, Meiri, Saadia Gaon, R' Yosef Albo, and Ramban), Rabbi Schneeweiss explores the implications of these queries for our belie...
Episode 62: J.J. Kimche "Is the Zohar Authentic?"
May 21, 2023 01:15 - 2 hours - 124 MBIs the Zohar authentic? Join us as we take a deep-dive into one of the most influential and controversial works in Jewish mysticism and the book that changed Judaism forever, the Zohar. Hakham J.J. Kimche provides us with a clear definition of the Zohar, and discusses its major ideas at its core, including the Zohar's new conceptions of theology, Torah and Mitzvot, and mankind/Jews. The authorship of the Zohar is a topic of much debate, and we delve into the subject in this podcast. J.J. Kim...
Episode 61: Rabbi Joseph Dweck "Does the Maimonidean Path Lack Spirituality?"
May 16, 2023 22:58 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBIn this enlightening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Joseph Dweck, a distinguished scholar and religious leader, to explore the fascinating world of the Maimonidean tradition and its relevance in today's spiritual landscape. We begin by addressing the question of whether the Maimonidean path lacks "spirituality" (and what that term even means). Rabbi Dweck delves into the common misconception that Maimonidean philosophy focuses more on rationality and intellectual pursuits, often overlooking ...
Episode 60: Rabbi Josh Yuter "Sacred Slogans"
May 14, 2023 06:01 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBRabbi Josh Yuter, a renowned Torah scholar and teacher, takes us on a journey through the world of "Sacred Slogans." These are phrases and idioms taken from the Torah and Talmud that have been appropriated to promote various agendas. But what makes them so powerful is that they are infused with the cultural weight of religious authority. We begin by exploring the concept of "Tzelem Elokim" or "Imago Dei," which asserts that all human beings are created in the image of God. Rabbi Yuter explai...
Episode 59: Rabbi Jeremy Rosen "Dealing with Strife & Grief"
May 09, 2023 05:01 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBRabbi Jeremy Rosen shares his unique perspective on the balance between rationality and mysticism growing up in a Litvish and Hassidic household. He discusses the trend in the frum world where religious observance is becoming stricter and stricter, and how this phenomenon can be attributed to the Holocaust and Israeli politics. As we delve deeper into the conversation, Rabbi Rosen speaks about the current mood in the Haredi and Hassidic communities and how he sees the "tail wagging the dog." ...
Episode 58: Ike Dweck "Overcoming Addiction"
May 04, 2023 11:40 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBIke Dweck shares his inspiring journey from being a compulsive gambler to founding The Safe Foundation and saving the lives of addicts. He discusses the challenges of dealing with the stigma of addiction in Jewish communities and how his organization addresses this issue. One of the obstacles that children face is the mixed messages they receive from their parents who may drink heavily at parties, Kiddush Clubs, and holidays. Ike also delves into the question of how someone knows they have a...
Episode 57: Rabbi Yonatan Halevy "Bridging the Religious Divide"
April 28, 2023 17:25 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBRabbi Yonatan Halevy shares his personal journey to becoming the rabbi of his community and sheds light on the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities with regards to halacha and hashkafa. He offers insightful solutions to bridge the cultural and religious divide, emphasizing the importance of education in secular matters alongside Torah, as mandated by our tradition. One of the highlights of the conversation is our discussion about Rabbi Halevy's video series, "Crimes of Kiru...
Episode 56: Pastor Dumisani Washington "Zionism and the Black Church"
April 27, 2023 05:02 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MBWe had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Dumisani Washington, a prominent figure in the Black Christian community and a great supporter of Jews and Zionism. During our discussion, we delved into the concerning trends of antizionism and antisemitism that are prevalent in America and the world today, particularly in Hollywood and on college campuses. We also addressed the attacks on Jewish identity by Black Hebrew Israelites, Kyrie Irving, and Kanye West, as well as the dangerous rise of Je...
Episode 55: Rabbi Yamin Levy "The Mysticism of Andalusia"
April 23, 2023 20:06 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBRabbi Yamin Levy's phenomenal new book, The Mysticism of Andalusia: Exploring HaRambam's Mystical Tradition, is a remarkable presentation of the Andalusian tradition, a significant but often overlooked part of Jewish history. In this episode, Rabbi Levy shares invaluable insights into the teachings of HaRambam through meticulous research and analysis, challenging the misconceptions that have long surrounded this pivotal figure. His book effectively refutes the notion that Rambam was a "daat y...
Episode 54: Imu Shalev "Torah Meets Technology"
April 23, 2023 03:47 - 1 hour - 66 MBJoin us as we sit down with Imu Shalev, the CEO and COO of Aleph Beta, one of the most innovative Torah learning tools on the internet. Imu shares his journey of how he went from being the Director of the Maccabeats and Producer for Mayim Bialik's successful YouTube channel to his current position. Imu also talks about how Rabbi David Fohrman's tireless work ethic and innovative approach to learning TaNaKh changed his own approach to Torah study. He highlights specific lessons that stand out...
Episode 53: Joseph Cohen "Facing Antisemitism & Antizionism"
April 20, 2023 23:45 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBJoseph Cohen, the founder of the Israel Advocacy Movement, addresses the meteoric rise of antisemitism and antizionism around the world. Zionism is a concept that means different things to different people, and unfortunately, it often gets a bad rap, particularly on campuses and in the media these days. He helps us understand why this is the case and the different interpretations of Zionism. Joseph clears up many misconceptions about the Israel-Palestine conflict, such as the Palestinians be...
Episode 52: Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn "To Be a Holy People"
April 16, 2023 02:53 - 1 hour - 109 MBRabbi Dr. Eugene Korn explores the relevance of Jewish ethics for observant and non-observant Jews, the importance of ethical values in halakha (as a person can technically observe the law and still be a scoundrel), and the need to stand up against religious extremism and violence. What do we make of God seemingly condoning slavery in the Torah? What is the significance of forging a national identity from our own enslavement in Egypt? Rabbi Korn delves into the relationship between Jewish e...
Episode 51: Dr. Malka Simkovich "The Lost Era Between Prophets & Rabbis"
April 11, 2023 02:01 - 53 minutes - 49.8 MBDr. Malka Simkovich joined us to discuss her educational background in Second Temple Judaism. She pointed out the dissonance between her TaNaKh studies from her Orthodox Jewish education and Bible studies from academia. In previous episodes (with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman, Rabbi Jeremy Weider, and Rabbi David Fohrman), we made our case for the authenticity of our Mesorah, defending it from attacks of Biblical Source Critics. However, in this conversation, Dr. Simkovich takes a different approac...
Episode 50: Rick Alan Ross "Cults Inside Out"
March 30, 2023 03:52 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBIn this very unique episode, we interview cult-expert Rick Alan Ross to shed light on the definition of a cult and the techniques they use to recruit and control their members. Some historical and recent examples of cults include Adolph Hitler, Branch Davidians, Scientology, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), and Lev Tahor. Ross explains common cult techniques people should look out for and who is generally susceptible. He also answers the question of whether a cult needs to be an organized grou...
Episode 49: Daniel Jonas "Gnosticism, Kabbalah & Fundamentalism"
March 27, 2023 00:30 - 2 hours - 115 MBWe spoke with Daniel Jonas about the Jewish and non-Jewish roots of Kabbalah, with insights from his decades of experience in dialogue with not only Christians and Muslims but modern neo-pagans, Wiccans and occultists working in the Western Mystery Tradition. Daniel analyzed the non-Jewish roots of Kabbalah in neo-Platonic and Gnostic philosophies influenced by Greek, Egyptian, Persian and Indian approaches, as well as the Jewish esoteric schools of antiquity and how this affects the theolog...
Episode 48: Reb David Guttmann "Judaism without Superstition"
March 21, 2023 23:41 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBWe had an enlightening conversation with Reb David Guttmann about the reasons behind the mitzvot. While some rabbis today are more interested in the "how" of observing mitzvot, we looked deeper into the "why," exploring the meaning behind these actions and their impact on our lives. We discussed the dangers of attaching magical thinking and superstition to mitzvot, which can turn people off and detract from their true purpose. One misconception about mitzvot is the belief that doing them will...
Episode 47: Mori Michael-Shelomo Bar-Ron "Genesis, Evolution & Pre-Adamite Man"
March 16, 2023 04:16 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBMori Michael-Shelomo Bar-Ron sheds light on how a rational approach to Torah not only harmonizes with the age of the universe and theory of evolution but also deepens our understanding of it. By examining the literary structure of the six days of creation, we can properly contextualize the process of creation and gain insights into the alignment of the Torah with modern cosmology, paleontology, and science. We also delve into the meaning behind unclear terms like "created", "made", and "forme...
Episode 46: Yirmiyahu Danzig "The Battle Over Jewish Identity"
February 26, 2023 00:30 - 1 hour - 67 MBYirmiyahu "That Semite" Danzig joins the podcast to discuss his journey into social media activism and clarify the different aspects of Jewish identity. He explains the difference between being Jewish, Judean, Israelite, and Hebrew and addresses the rise of antisemitism in America, including a discussion about whether or not the recent controversial comments made by Joe Rogan about Jews and money is problematic. We delve into the historical inaccuracies and harmful tropes depicted in the medi...