Best Ben And Benzi A Geonic Maimonidean Approach To Torah Through The Ages And Today Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 130: Jacob Falach, Producer "The New Reality for American Jews" 56:26

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6d ago56:26

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Jacob Falach, writer and producer at The Daily Wire, joins us for a timely and candid conversation about what it means to be a committed Jew and Zionist in today’s political and cultural climate. We start with his background—his connection to Torah, his role at The Daily Wire, and what it's like to operate as an observant Jew in a largely Christian…

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Episode 129: Rabbi Yamin Levy "The Mystic Behind the Philosopher" 54:43

13d ago54:43

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Rabbi Yamin Levy returns for his second appearance on Judaism Demystified to delve into his new book, Jewish Mysticism: Essays on Maimonides’ The Guide of the Perplexed. This wide-ranging conversation explores the Rambam’s bold and often misunderstood ideas about God, Torah, and human purpose. We discuss the tension between halakha and the pursuit …

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Episode 128: Dr. Tanya White "The Legacy of Rabbi Sacks" 47:28

21d ago47:28

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In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Tanya White—educator, lecturer, and creator of the Books & Beyond podcast series—to discuss the enduring legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and how his ideas continue to shape Jewish thought today. Tanya shares the inspiration behind the podcast and the personal and intellectual jo…

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Episode 127: Dr. Berel Dov Lerner "Human-Divine Interactions" 1:05:50

29d ago1:05:50

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We sit down with Professor Berel Dov Lerner, finalist for the Rabbi Sacks Book Prize, to explore his phenomenal book Human–Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes. With a background in philosophy, Prof. Lerner examines how God’s project—creating a worthy world—intersects with humanity’s project of making life in t…

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Episode 126: Rabbi Chaim Eisen "Providence According to Rambam & Ramban" (Live) 1:36:05

1M ago1:36:05

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For our first-ever live Judaism Demystified podcast shiur, we’re honored to welcome back Rabbi Chaim Eisen — visiting from Israel for his third appearance on the show. In front of a packed audience, Rabbi Eisen takes us on a riveting journey into one of the most profound and misunderstood topics in Jewish thought: Are the miracles of the Exodus (an…

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Episode 125: Dr. Ruth Calderon "The Enduring Power of Jewish Text" 58:26

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Dr. Ruth Calderon joins the podcast to reflect on the personal and intellectual journey behind her book, A Bride for One Night. She begins by discussing her background and the role her parents played in nurturing her love of Torah, as mentioned in the book’s dedication. She then unpacks her approach to the Talmud, describing how she reads aggadic t…

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Episode 124: Rabbi Dr. Yohai Makbili "Lost in Transmission" 1:03:26

3M ago1:03:26

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In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dr. Yohai Makbili—a true modern Renaissance man. With a background in engineering and groundbreaking work translating and elucidating the writings of the Rambam, Rabbi Makbili brings a rare combination of analytical precision and deep Torah scholarship. His influential Hebrew translations of Maimonides' Guide…

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Episode 123: Olivia Friedman, Author "How Accurate is House of David?" 1:21:01

4M ago1:21:01

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In this episode, we’re joined by writer, podcaster, and Judaic Studies teacher at Jewish Leadership Academy in Miami, Olivia Friedman for a deep-dive review of the hit Amazon Prime series House of David. Going character by character, we explore what the show gets right—and where it diverges—from the biblical narrative, paying close attention to the…

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Episode 122: Dr. Malka Simkovich "Discovering Second Temple Literature" 1:10:04

4M ago1:10:04

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In her highly anticipated return to the podcast, Dr. Malka Simkovich takes us on a journey through the rich and complex world of Second Temple Judaism, drawing from her acclaimed book Discovering Second Temple Literature. We begin with the extraordinary discoveries of the Cairo Genizah and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and explore why these moments of pres…

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Episode 121: Gila Fine "The Madwoman in the Rabbi's Attic" 1:11:58

5M ago1:11:58

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How are women really portrayed in the Talmud—and what happens when we look beyond the surface? In this episode, we speak with Gila Fine about her groundbreaking book, The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic, where she takes us deep into the stories of the six named heroines of the Talmud: Yalta the shrew, Homa the femme fatale, Marta the prima donna, Her…

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Episode 120: Dr. Yael Ziegler "Making Sense of Midrash" 1:03:45

5M ago1:03:45

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In this episode, Dr. Yael Ziegler shares her thoughtful and layered approach to the study of Tanakh. Known for her deep literary readings and her commitment to both peshat and the broader interpretive tradition, she explains how elements like structure, repetition, and intertextuality shape her analysis of the biblical text. We explore her perspect…

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Episode 119: Rabbi Menachem Leibtag "The Case for the Gush Tanakh Method" 1:04:33

5M ago1:04:33

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In this episode, we’re joined by Rabbi Menachem Leibtag, a leading educator in the Gush (Yeshivat Har Etzion) Tanakh methodology—a literary-contextual approach to the study of Tanakh that emphasizes peshat, structure, and thematic development, while reading the text in its historical and narrative context. Rabbi Leibtag lays out the foundations of …

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Episode 118: Jessie Fischbein "Infertility in the Bible" 58:58

6M ago58:58

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In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Fischbein, author of 'Infertility in the Bible: How the Matriarchs Changed Their Fate; How You Can Too.' Jessie’s book stands out for its informal, accessible style and its ability to resonate with readers beyond just Jewish or theistic audiences. We discuss what inspired her to write it and how readers stru…

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Episode 117: Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel "Getting to Know Rashi" 1:35:22

6M ago1:35:22

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As our 'Getting to Know the Rishonim' series continues, we explore the towering figure of Rashi with Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel, one of the foremost scholars of medieval Jewish thought. French Jewry produced a remarkable corpus of Torah commentators—from Rashi to Rashbam, Bechor Shor, Rav Yosef Kara, and Hizkuni. What makes this school of biblica…

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Episode 116: Rabbi David Wolpe "Responding to Doubt, Division and Tragedy" 48:27

7M ago48:27

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In this episode, Rabbi David Wolpe joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish people today. In the wake of October 7th, intra-faith dialogue is as critical as interfaith dialogue. The Jewish community must find ways to foster understanding, break down barriers, and build unity among divers…

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Episode 115: Dr. Erica Brown "The Torah of Leadership" 52:35

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Leadership isn’t just a modern concern—it’s embedded in the DNA of the Torah itself. In this episode, Dr. Erica Brown unpacks the centrality of leadership in Jewish thought, drawing on insights from The Torah of Leadership. She explains why leadership has been a defining theme of her work, how the need for strong leadership has intensified—especial…

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Episode 114: Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet "From Creation to Covenant" 1:26:49

7M ago1:26:49

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How does Genesis lay the foundation for humanity’s covenantal relationship with God? Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet joins us to share insights from his groundbreaking book Genesis: From Creation to Covenant. Together, we explore how the Torah portrays the patriarchs—Avraham, Yitzhak, Yaakov, and Yosef—as central figures in this process, with the recurring us…

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Episode 113: Joshua Skarf "Torah Through the Lens of Architecture" 50:53

8M ago50:53

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In this episode, we sit down with architect and author Joshua Skarf to discuss his fascinating book, ArchitecTorah: Architectural Ideas in Judaism and the Weekly Torah Portion. Skarf offers a unique perspective on how the principles of architecture and engineering can deepen our understanding of Torah, shedding new light on iconic narratives and th…

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Episode 112: Rabbi David Aaron "Off the Derekh" 42:05

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What drives individuals to leave the Orthodox path, and how have modern influences like digital culture shaped this phenomenon? Rabbi David Aaron addresses these pressing questions and more, offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Orthodox Judaism today. This episode delves into the emotional and relational struggles…

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Episode 111: Reb Zvi Goldstein "The End of Days" 1:41:58

8M ago1:41:58

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We’re thrilled to welcome Reb Zvi Goldstein to the podcast for an in-depth exploration of three monumental topics in Jewish thought: Mashiach, Olam Haba, and Techiyat HaMetim. These concepts are often conflated, particularly in discussions about reuniting with loved ones who’ve passed away. The Rambam delves deep into each category, and we’re here …

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Episode 110: Channah Cohen "Guardians of the Flame" 47:49

9M ago47:49

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In this episode, we sit down with Channah Cohen, author of Guardians of the Flame: A Historical Fiction About the Wars of the Maccabim, to explore the inspiration behind her novel set during the time of the Maccabees. Channah shares how her work connects to the idea of reviving "heroes" in Jewish culture and discusses her take on the "shiddukh cris…

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Episode 109: Rabbi Simi Lerner "Rediscovering Rav Hirsch's Wisdom" 1:02:23

9M ago1:02:23

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In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Simi Lerner to explore the enduring relevance of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a thinker whose insights into faith, identity, and modernity deserve far more attention. Rav Hirsch’s teachings, though often overlooked, offer a powerful framework for modern Jews striving to live with purpose and clarity in a comp…

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Episode 108: Rabbi Gil Student "Articles of Faith" 1:21:54

9M ago1:21:54

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Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Gil Student to explore his groundbreaking work in Jewish thought and scholarship. We begin with his journey as the founder of the influential Hirhurim/Torah Musings blog, delving into the motivations behind creating this pioneering platform and its lasting impact on the Jewish intellectual landscape in the internet…

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Episode 107: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "Alphabetic Judaism" 1:17:59

10M ago1:17:59

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In his third appearance on the show, Rabbi Abe H. Faur joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving dynamics of leadership and tradition within the Jewish community. We begin by examining the concepts of "Gedolim" and "Daas Torah," cornerstones of Haredi influence. Rabbi Faur shares his perspective on whether these ideas align w…

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Episode 106: Rabbi Moshe Taragin "Reclaiming Redemption" 55:54

10M ago55:54

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In this episode, we are honored to welcome back Rabbi Moshe Taragin to discuss his latest book, Reclaiming Redemption: Deciphering the Maze of Jewish History. This profound work examines the progression of Jewish history toward its ultimate goal—redemption—exploring how prophecies, the teachings of Chazal, and historical events shape our understand…

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Episode 105: David Curwin "Neighbors Behind Fences" 1:02:55

10M ago1:02:55

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In this episode, we welcome back David Curwin to discuss his recent essay, "Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Neighbors Behind Fences," published in Hakirah: The Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought. Curwin’s essay explores the lives and legacies of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits, two of the 2…

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Episode 104: Dr. Paul Copan "Is God a Moral Monster?" 1:26:27

11M ago1:26:27

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Renowned Christian philosopher and theologian Dr. Paul Copan joins us to explore our shared values and address the ethical questions people are faced with when reading the Bible. He discusses how modern readers often overlook the Torah’s revolutionary impact by viewing it solely through a contemporary lens, which strips it of historical context. To…

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Episode 103: Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum "Questioning Belief" 1:19:41

11M ago1:19:41

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Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum offers a refreshingly different approach to the deep questions of faith, one that immediately stands out from the typical answers often heard in outreach settings. For those who think critically and seek more than surface-level responses, his intellectual honesty and respect for scientific thought set him apart. In our conve…

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Episode 102: Rabbi Steven Pruzansky "Repentance for Life" 1:06:49

12M ago1:06:49

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rabbi Steven Pruzansky to explore the rich themes of his latest book, "Repentance for Life" (Kodesh Press). Rabbi Pruzansky begins by sharing the inspiration behind the book, including the significant impact of his teacher, Rabbi Yisroel Chait. We then delve into the chapter "Repentance and…

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Episode 101: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley "Facing the Storm" 2:12:04

12M ago2:12:04

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In this insightful episode, we welcome Rabbi Yaakov Beasley to discuss his book "Joel, Obadiah, and Micah: Facing the Storm," part of the acclaimed Maggid Studies in Tanakh series. Rabbi Beasley begins by sharing his background and what inspired him to write this work. He also introduces the Gush Tanakh Method for listeners unfamiliar with it, befo…

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Episode 100: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "The Jewish People at a Crossroads" 1:21:47

12M ago1:21:47

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Prepare for a timely, sensitive, and important conversation as Rav Abe Faur makes his much-anticipated return to the podcast. In the wake of the traumatic and transformative attacks on October 7th, Hakham Faur has become increasingly vocal on social media, especially regarding issues within the Haredi community. He shares why these events compelled…

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Episode 99: Rabbi Avi Grossman "Halakha Demystified" 1:10:20

1y ago1:10:20

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In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Avi Grossman to explore the complexities of Halakha and its relevance to contemporary Jewish life. Rabbi Grossman begins by discussing why "Demystifying Halakha" is crucial for understanding and practicing Judaism today. We dive into the idea that the entire Torah was always meant to be practiced, a concept t…

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Episode 98: Rabbi Chaim Eisen & Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein "Does God Need Us?" 1:25:26

1y ago1:25:26

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In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with Rabbi Chaim Eisen and Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein to explore some of the most critical theological questions in Jewish thought. The conversation begins with an in-depth discussion on God's Oneness and Uniqueness, particularly through the lens of the phrase "Ein Od Milvado" ("There is nothing other …

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Episode 97: Rabbi Moshe Taragin "Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below" 37:56

1y ago37:56

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Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Moshe Taragin to explore his deeply thought-provoking book, "Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below." We begin by delving into the motivations behind his writing and how recent tragedies have influenced his approach to discussing faith and doubt in the modern world. Rabbi Taragin opens up about the importance of validating…

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Episode 96: Ami Kozak, Comedian "Jewish Humor in Chaotic Times" 58:33

1y ago58:33

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In this episode, we sit down with comedian and musician Ami Kozak, host of the Ami's House podcast and member of the band Distant Cousins, to delve into the nuances of his career and unique perspective as an orthodox Jew in the comedy world. We explore what initially drew him to comedy and the pivotal moments that solidified his path in the industr…

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Episode 95: Rabbi Shmuel Phillips "Talmud Reclaimed" 1:23:40

1y ago1:23:40

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Rabbi Shmuel Phillips joins the podcast again to take us on a journey through his thought-provoking book, "Talmud Reclaimed." Join us as we explore the current state of Halakha and the subconscious reverence for the Halakhic status quo. Rabbi Phillips discusses the pivotal role of the Sanhedrin in the Halakhic system, explaining why without it, we …

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Episode 94: Dr. Roslyn Weiss "Light of the Lord" 1:16:09

1y ago1:16:09

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Roslyn Weiss to explore her translation of Hasdai Crescas's Light of the Lord. We delve into the initial inspiration behind her translation project and the challenges she faced in capturing Crescas's philosophical nuances in English. Dr. Weiss provides insight into Crescas’s difficult life and the historical co…

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Episode 93: Rabbi Chaim Eisen "Jewish Philosophy Matters" 1:22:46

1+ y ago1:22:46

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In this episode, we engage with the profound insights of Rabbi Chaim Eisen on the complex topic of free will in the context of modern science and Jewish philosophy. Our discussion opens with a look at the consensus in contemporary science, as popularized by figures like Sam Harris and Robert Sapolsky, which suggests that our actions are largely det…

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Episode 92: Dr. William Lane Craig "Rational Arguments for God's Existence" 54:18

1+ y ago54:18

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In 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, partic…

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Episode 91: Frank Meeink "Chronicles of a Recovering Skinhead" 1:31:37

1+ y ago1:31:37

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"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…

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Episode 90: Professor Daniel C. Matt "Becoming Elijah" 2:01:38

1+ y ago2:01:38

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In 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',…

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Episode 89: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss & Rabbi Dovid Campbell "Getting to Know Ralbag" 1:45:45

1+ y ago1:45:45

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In 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 immen…

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Episode 88: Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman "The Dead Scrolls Unearthed" 1:15:23

1+ y ago1:15:23

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In 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 rel…

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Episode 87: Professor Lenn E. Goodman "Depopulating the Heavens" 2:11:11

1+ y ago2:11:11

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In 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 per…

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Episode 86: J.J. Kimche "Assessing the Gush Tanakh Method" 1:27:52

1+ y ago1:27:52

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J.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 th…

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Episode 85: Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo "The Legacy of Rabbeinu Avraham Ben HaRambam" 1:05:47

1+ y ago1:05:47

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Join 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 Ḥa…

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Episode 84: Rabbi Dr. Marc B. Shapiro "The Rabbinic Response to the Rise of Reform" 1:15:29

1+ y ago1:15:29

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Rabbi 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 back…

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Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs. Mysticism" 54:58

1+ y ago54:58

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In 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. Ou…

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Episode 82: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha Ben Abuyah in the Bavli" 1:21:13

1+ y ago1:21:13

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In 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 meticulou…

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Episode 81: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha Ben Abuyah in the Yerushalmi" 1:30:06

1+ y ago1:30:06

1:30:06

In 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 meticulou…