Best Geoffrey Stern Podcasts (2025)

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Yom Kippur: Reflecting on Age 37:59

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3h ago37:59

37:59

What if our High Holiday rituals are secretly about confronting aging? Aging Gracefully: Rethinking Our Approach to the Elderly As we approach Yom Kippur, a time of reflection and renewal, it's fitting to explore a topic that touches us all: aging. In this episode of Madlik, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of how our society treats and car…

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The Original Sermon on the Mount — Jewish Edition 32:08

6d ago32:08

32:08

From Woodchoppers to Kings: How the Torah's Radical Covenant Redefined Ancient Politics In this episode we're diving into the radical inclusivity of the covenant in Parashat Nitzavim. From princes to woodchoppers, everyone is called to stand before God. But there's more to this than meets the eye. We explore how the rabbis upped the ante, suggestin…

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Thank God for the Rebellious Son 34:01

13d ago34:01

34:01

Why Some Torah Laws were Meant to be Heard not followed Live at the JCC’s new Shtiebel, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz ask: what do we learn from laws that never happened? From the rebellious son to Bialik’s Halakha and Aggada, discover halakhah as a language of Jewish life. In this week's episode of Madlik, we delve into a fascinating explora…

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Intentional and Unintentional Holiness 29:18

20d ago29:18

29:18

Are there times were we should strive not to be present or in the moment? As we enter the month of Elul and approach the High Holidays, many of us instinctively tighten our grip on spiritual practices. We double down on prayer, intensify our focus, and strive for flawless kavanah (intention). But what if true holiness sometimes emerges when we loos…

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Can You Bribe God? Rethinking Yom Kippur 28:42

28d ago28:42

28:42

The Torah bans bribery — so why do our holiest rituals look like payoffs? We're diving into a provocative topic as we enter the month of Elul - bribes, sacrifices, and cosmic payoffs in Judaism. We explore the tension between Deuteronomy's clear prohibition on bribery and the sacrificial rituals found elsewhere in the Torah that look suspiciously l…

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Secularization and Sacralization in Deuteronomy 28:18

1M ago28:18

28:18

The Radical Contraction and expansion of Ancient Israelite Religion The book of Deuteronomy presents a radical shift in religious practice that continues to shape modern Judaism and beyond. Far from expanding religious institutions as empires typically do, Deuteronomy takes the surprising approach of contracting and centralizing worship while simul…

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How Sound Shapes Jewish Identity 30:47

1M ago30:47

30:47

The Dangers of a world seen on a screen: What Judaism Knew All Along In our visually-dominated world, we're raising a generation that can see but not hear. This week's Madlik episode challenges us to reconsider the primacy of listening in Jewish tradition and its profound impact on our spiritual and emotional lives. Key Takeaways Deuteronomy emphas…

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Beyond Faith: The Unexpected Joy of Torah Study 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

The Torah's allure is so powerful, rabbis had to warn against misusing it. Exploring the concept of "limud" (learning) unique to Deuteronomy, we uncover the rabbis' complex relationship with Torah study. From the joy of learning to the fear of misuse, the discussion spans intentionality, secular study, and the power of Torah to attract even non-bel…

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Moses last word: Judicial Independence 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

Ancient Jewish texts offer surprising insights into contemporary debates on judicial activism, restraint and independence Join us as we delve into a fascinating exploration of Moses' farewell address in Parashat Devarim. This episode uncovers striking parallels between ancient concerns about judicial integrity and modern debates over judicial refor…

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What the Haredi Draft Crisis Says About Israel 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

70,000 mothers are fighting for Israel's future - one draft notice at a time. Mothers on the Front Line founder Agamit Gelb joins us to discuss the contentious issue of Haredi military service in Israel. We explore biblical parallels from Numbers, where Moses confronts tribes seeking exemption from conquest. The conversation delves into the social …

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Serach - The Keeper of Israel’s Collective Memory 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

The only Israelite to go down to Egypt and enter the Promised Land was a woman. In the years after the Civil War, heritage groups began honoring a rare category of Americans: Real Sons and Real Daughters — children born to aging veterans of that war. Not grandchildren. Not great-grandchildren. Their actual children. Living, breathing links to a fad…

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Understanding Anti-Semitism Through History 32:22

3M ago32:22

32:22

What happens when the sacred victim becomes the sovereign nation? We delve into a provocative exploration of Jewish identity and otherness in this week's episode. Drawing inspiration from the Torah portion Balak and a thought-provoking essay by Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, we challenge long-held beliefs about Judaism's role as the quintessential "othe…

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Death Cults vs. Israel: Why Judaism Chooses Life 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

Death rituals reveal a civilization's deepest beliefs. But what if a religion rejects the cult of death entirely? In this episode we explore Judaism's unique perspective on death and mortality. It is almost a cliché that Judaism is all about “Choosing Life”, but in our conversation we rely heavily of the academic research of Biblical scholar Baruch…

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Pluralism in Judaism 33:29

3M ago33:29

33:29

How a failed biblical uprising reveals the power of productive disagreement. Mark Friedman, author of "Come Now, Let Us Reason Together," joins Madlik to explore Judaism's embrace of disagreement. We dive into the Korach story, contrasting it with the debates of Hillel and Shammai to illustrate how Judaism values constructive conflict. Friedman con…

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A Different Spirit 32:47

3M ago32:47

32:47

The Surprising Link Between Biblical Spies and Modern Warfare The Torah doesn't celebrate team players. It celebrates disruptors. This week on Madlik, we explore the story of Caleb, a biblical figure who defied groupthink with fierce truth. In our latest episode, we dive into the fascinating tale of the biblical scouts and focus on Caleb Ben Yefune…

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Embracing the ambiguity of transition 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

The magic of twilight isn't just for vampires—it's a cornerstone of Jewish ritual and philosophy. Twilight in Judaism is more than just a daily transition—it's a liminal space rich with spiritual significance and halachic implications. We explore the concept of "bein hashmashot" (between the suns) in Jewish law and philosophy, examining its role in…

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Haredim: A Path Forward 33:03

4M ago33:03

33:03

October 7th shattered more than Israel's security - it's challenging core Haredi beliefs. In the wake of October 7th, a seismic shift is occurring within Israel's ultra-Orthodox community. The long-standing exemption from military service for Haredi yeshiva students is facing unprecedented scrutiny – not just from secular Israelis, but from within …

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First Fruits of Israeli Judaism 33:33

4M ago33:33

33:33

What if everything you knew about Shavuot was rooted in exile, not the land? Join us as we explore how the early Zionist pioneers revolutionized Shavuot, transforming it from a purely spiritual celebration into a powerful expression of connection to the land of Israel. Key Takeaways Balancing tradition and innovation: The pioneers show us how to br…

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Disabilities in Jewish Texts and Israel 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

Societal Stigma and Technological Advances in Disabilities Empowering the Blind and Deaf: Lessons from Israeli Innovators When was the last time you truly appreciated your ability to see and hear? For many of us, these senses are so fundamental that we rarely pause to consider their significance. But what if I told you that understanding disability…

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Love as Political Theory 32:31

5M ago32:31

32:31

The biblical command to love others might be more about social contracts than warm fuzzy feelings. What if "love your neighbor" wasn't just a moral cliché, but a radical political theory? In this week's Madlik episode, we explore how the biblical concept of love in Judaism goes far beyond sentiment, representing a powerful social contract that shap…

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Simone deBeuvoir reads the Torah 31:38

5M ago31:38

31:38

This episode explores the biblical and rabbinic perspectives on gender, sex, and reproduction through the lens of Leviticus 12. We examine how the Torah's language of "seed" and agricultural metaphors connect childbirth to creation and redemption. We explore the biblical imagination where women's reproductive power links her to primal creative forc…

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Kosher Laws and Identity 31:57

5M ago31:57

31:57

Passover, which we recently celebrated, bans bread. Leviticus bans pigs. Ashkenazim banned rice, but Mizrachim and the rabbis of the Talmud did not. What do these bans and dietary practices actually say about us? For 2,000 years the Jewish people have been doing something that nowadays is indispensable... reading food labels. It's required nowadays…

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Freedom Haggadah: Tradition Meets Social Justice 32:16

6M ago32:16

32:16

Whether you’re a radical Progressive or Traditionalist, are you ready to be Free? Join Jews and Gentiles, blacks and whites, progressives and traditionalists and return to April 4th 1969 (MLK's first Yartzeit) at Arthur Waskow's radical and controversial Freedom Seder. I recently picked up a first edition of this Mao-sized red booklet, and it's far…

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Matzah's Hidden Meaning 29:35

6M ago29:35

29:35

Forget Exodus - the key to understanding matzah lies in Leviticus. As we approach Passover, it's time to challenge our assumptions about one of the holiday's most iconic symbols: matzah. What if I told you that the true significance of this unleavened bread goes far beyond the rushed exodus from Egypt? In this episode of Madlik, we explore a revolu…

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How the Israelites Gave Us Self Care & Daily Rituals 29:05

6M ago29:05

29:05

Skincare isn’t just self-care—it’s a divine commandment. Join us as we uncover the surprising connections between everyday skincare routines and sacred rituals, and how this ancient practice can transform and inspire us. In this week's episode of Madlik, we explore a fascinating aspect of ancient Israelite culture that's often overlooked: the signi…

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Electric Sabbath 29:05

6M ago29:05

29:05

Think Shabbat is all about turning things off? Think again. This week's Torah portion, Vayakhel, offers a unique perspective on Shabbat observance. While the prohibition of lighting fires is explicitly mentioned, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Let's explore how Shabbat has evolved over time and continues to change in our modern world …

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Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom of Purim: A Feast of Fools for Modern Times 31:34

7M ago31:34

31:34

Dressing up as the opposite gender on Purim: a tradition or a taboo? As we approach the joyous holiday of Purim, it's time to look beyond the costumes and revelry to uncover the profound lessons this ancient celebration holds for our modern world. In this eye-opening episode of Madlik, we explore the surprising connections between Purim and other g…

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The High Priest's Breastplate: A Symbol of Unity and Representation 32:12

7M ago32:12

32:12

What if the biblical tribes of Israel were more radical than we ever imagined? At the heart of our discussion is the high priest's breastplate, described in Exodus 28. This ornate piece of priestly attire wasn't just a decorative element—it was a powerful symbol of the entire Israelite nation. The breastplate featured 12 precious stones, each engra…

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Torah On the Move 28:51

7M ago28:51

28:51

Ever wondered why we stand when the Torah is taken out? Our latest Madlik episode uncovers the surprising history behind this universal Jewish tradition. Join Rabbi Adam Mintz and Geoffrey Stern as they explore the concept of "Torah on the Move" in this week's parsha, Terumah. We unpack the symbolism behind the Ark of the Covenant and its enduring …

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Torah – Not a Code of Law 32:09

7M ago32:09

32:09

In this week’s episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, we explore how the Torah's legal sections, particularly in Parashat Mishpatim, interact with and transform the legal traditions of the ancient Near East rather than create an original Code of Law. We take this fascinating journey through the lens of Umberto Cassuto, a brilliant biblical scholar who…

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The Art of the Steal 33:44

7M ago33:44

33:44

The Art of Stealing: Unraveling the Complexities of the Eighth Commandment "Thou shalt not steal" seems straightforward, but is it? This week's episode of Madlik delves into the intricate world of Jewish law and ethics surrounding theft, revealing surprising insights that challenge our assumptions about this fundamental commandment. Background and …

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Root Experiences... Beyond Philosophy 31:02

8M ago31:02

31:02

The Maidservant's Vision: Redefining Jewish Experience and Philosophy Our latest Madlik Disruptive Torah episode challenges conventional wisdom about Jewish history and philosophy. Exploring the concept of "root experiences," we delve into how a simple maidservant's vision at the Red Sea can reshape our understanding of Jewish thought and practice.…

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Solaluna 31:24

8M ago31:24

31:24

This week on Madlik, we're diving into a fascinating exploration of the Jewish calendar - a topic that's not just about marking time, but about renewal, liberation, and the very essence of what it means to be Jewish. In our discussion of Parashat Bo, Rabbi Mintz and I unpack the significance of the first commandment given to the Israelites as a nat…

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Raise Your Hand 31:30

8M ago31:30

31:30

Have you ever wondered why we don't raise our hands during prayer in Judaism? It's a question that might seem trivial at first, but as we explored in our latest Madlik episode, it opens up a fascinating world of gesture, ritual, and cultural evolution. As I sat watching the presidential inauguration, I couldn't help but notice the raised hand durin…

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The Nativity of Moses 32:26

8M ago32:26

32:26

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the nativity of Moses in Parashat Shemot. Delving into the dramatic birth story of the Jewish people’s greatest leader, we uncover parallels with other ancient “savior” narratives, includoing a home bathed in light, three wise men, astologers reading the stars, danger, murder, flight and return…

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unto the third generation - grandparenting 29:26

9M ago29:26

29:26

This week on Madlik, we're diving into a fascinating topic that's close to my heart - grandparenting in Jewish tradition. Our discussion centers around the iconic blessing Jacob gives to his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh in Parashat Vayechi. I'm excited to share some insights I've never noticed before about this pivotal moment. We'll explore how J…

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Making Lemonade from Lemons 30:27

9M ago30:27

30:27

This week on Madlik, we’re exploring how Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers offers profound insights for our own lives. At a time when many of us make resolutions and fresh starts, this episode couldn’t be more timely. We’ll examine how Joseph and his brothers navigate the complex dynamics of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and moving from a pa…

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IMAGINE and the jews 29:45

9M ago29:45

29:45

This Shabbat Hanukah Madlik episode explores the intriguing parallels between John Lennon's iconic song "Imagine" and traditional Jewish concepts. Delving into the Shabbat zemirot "Ma Yedidut," Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz uncover surprising connections between Lennon's utopian vision and Judaism's aspirational views of Shabbat and the World…

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Joseph Slave Trade 31:10

9M ago31:10

31:10

This week on Madlik, we’re diving into Parashat Vayeshev and exploring the Joseph story through a unique lens. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we unpack this pivotal narrative that bridges Genesis and Exodus. We’ll be taking a hard look at the uncomfortable truth at the heart of this parasha: human trafficking. It’s not just about Josep…

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What Israel Means 40:55

10M ago40:55

40:55

From the first chapters of Genesis, when Adam named the animals, naming in the Biblical narrative is a powerful tool which defines destiny. This process reaches a climax with the re-naming of Jacob and the birth of Israel. Although "Israel" is normally translated as "struggling with God" we explore other meanings that align more powerfully with the…

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Scaling the Temple Mount 32:55

10M ago32:55

32:55

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz for another week of Madlik Disruptive Torah. We explore the biblical narratives surrounding Jacob and Abraham, the sanctity of places in the Ancient Near East and Jewish tradition, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions about Jerusalem. The conversation highlights the deep conn…

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The Philistinians and the Israelites 30:49

10M ago30:49

30:49

Are we defined by our names or by the stories we tell? We explore Parashat Toldot, diving into the intricate relationships between the Philistines and ancient Israelites "up until today." Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in a conversation that highlights the melting pot of cultures in ancient Israel. We reveal that the Philistines, like the…

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The Day After 30:41

10M ago30:41

30:41

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz discussing the weekly Torah portion. What happens when ancient narratives of trauma echo through generations? This episode of "Madlik Disruptive Torah" delves into the parsha Chayei Sara, exploring the post-traumatic impact of the attempted sacrifice of Isaac. Through the lens of Jewish, Islamic and contempo…

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God Forbid! 30:18

10M ago30:18

30:18

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the intriguing theological debate where Abraham challenges God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unlike typical moral or ethical arguments, Abraham's stance is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's nature. He questions whether it would be Godlike to act in a manner that contradicts his…

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Radical Disruption and the Birth of Faith 32:33

11M ago32:33

32:33

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in [location] on [date]. What does it mean to leave everything behind and embark on a journey of faith? This episode of "Madlik" delves into the Torah portion Lech Lecha, exploring Abraham's radical departure from his homeland and the birth of monotheism. - Discover how Abraham's journey is not just…

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Words Without Borders 34:02

11M ago34:02

34:02

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in conversation regarding the weekly Torah portion. What happens when language becomes both a bridge and a barrier? In this episode of the "Madlik Disruptive Torah Podcast," the duo delves into Parashat Noah, exploring the Tower of Babel's tale and its implications on linguistic diversity. They unravel how t…

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Splitting the Adam 33:41

11M ago33:41

33:41

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as they explore the creation myth. There are those who would have us believe that in Creation, God made unity from chaos and that the Torah’s end game is to find that unity, tikkun and nirvana once again. We explore an alternative, counterfactual approach, where God created through division and with a goal o…

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The Sukkah Will Rise Again 38:42

11M ago38:42

38:42

At sunset the holiday of Sukkot begins and we leave the security of our homes and dwell in the temporary booths of farmers. In previous episodes we have focused on what makes this falling dwelling so permanent and eternal, but this year, in the shadow of Oct 7th we focus on the darker side of these exposed dwellings. We also explore the potential o…

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The Yom Kippur Sermon I wanted to Hear - Last Year 28:13

12M ago28:13

28:13

While I considered writing a sermon for this Yom Kippur I listened to the Madlik Sermon given a week before October 7th 2023. So much of what concerned me, even terrified me, came to fruition that I decided to re-broadcast. Maybe next week as we approach the anniversay of last year's dreadful Simchat Torah we can discuss further the concept of סֻכּ…

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What's New with the Jewish New Year (rePlay) 33:25

12M ago33:25

33:25

Join Geoffrey Stern recorded live at the Conservative Synagogue of Westport, Connecticut with guest appearences of Madlik Faithful Henry Feuerstein, Martin Rosenfeld z'l, Martha Rosenfeld, Judy Shapiro and others. Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/594972 Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2016/10/01/whats-new-with-the-jew…