Jewish Currents
The Luminous Dark - How can we understand Hanukkah in a way that rejects colonial conceptions of light and dark?
12 Dec 2023
Hanukkah is typically understood as a holiday about light conquering darkness. However, the binary of light as good and darkness as chaotic and evil is a col...
12 Dec 2023
Jewish Chronicle
Parashah of the week: Vayishlach
30 Nov 2023
In this week's Parashah Vayishlach, the internal struggles we face on a daily basis are likened to the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel to receive the ...
30 Nov 2023
Sources
Mourning and Suffering in this Moment
27 Nov 2023
This article explores Jewish interpretations of suffering and mourning through the biblical texts of Job and Lamentations, particularly in light of contempor...
27 Nov 2023
Tel Aviv Review
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Hope. Yes, Hope
6 Nov 2023
Dr. Oded Adomi Leshem, a political psychologist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, delves into the theme of hope in his recent book "Hope Amid Conflict...
6 Nov 2023
Jewish Chronicle
Vayera
3 Nov 2023
The text explores the significance of Isaac's birth in Jewish tradition, highlighting the themes of surprise, joy, and renewal. It emphasizes how Isaac's bir...
3 Nov 2023
Jewish History Uncensored
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Torah Lishma and Focused Direction in Avodas Hashem
2 Nov 2023
This episode delves into the debate between the Tanya and Nefesh HaChaim regarding Torah Lishma, focusing on R Chaim Volozhin's perspective and the importanc...
2 Nov 2023
Jewish Chronicle
Parashah of the week: Ha'azinu
21 Sep 2023
The text explores the connection between Jewish theology and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of studying nature to deepen religious understandi...
21 Sep 2023
Jewish History Uncensored
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#157 - Confrontation of 1771, Vilna Gaon on Tzadikim,Beinonim & Reshaim
21 Sep 2023
In this episode, the focus is on the legendary confrontation of 1771 involving the Vilna Gaon with R Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna...
21 Sep 2023
Call Me Back
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Mohamed El-Erian on B-R-I-C-S (& J-E-T-S)
7 Sep 2023
In this episode of "Call Me Back," Mohamed El-Erian discusses the expansion of the BRICS nations and its implications for global economic structures, alongsi...
7 Sep 2023
Sources
Free Speech: A Conversation with Bret Stephens
21 Aug 2023
In this comprehensive discussion, Bret Stephens explores the role and importance of free speech within Jewish ideals and broader society. He argues that libe...
21 Aug 2023
Sources
Autonomy, Automatons, <em>Golems</em>, and <em>Dybbuks</em>: Models for AI
21 Aug 2023
In the exploration of AI within a Jewish legal and cultural context, legal expert Michael M. Rosen discusses how concepts like the golem and dybbuk from Jewi...
21 Aug 2023
What Matters Now
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What Matters Now to thinker Micah Goodman: An incipient internal 'intifada'
27 Jul 2023
Dr. Micah Goodman discusses the internal conflict within Israel, describing it as a clash between citizens seeking empowerment through government and those n...
27 Jul 2023
Call Me Back
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A techno-skeptic on the A.I. revolution - with Christine Rosen
17 Jul 2023
In this episode of 'Call Me Back', Christine Rosen shares her techno-pessimistic perspective on the AI revolution, critiquing the optimism of previous guest ...
17 Jul 2023
Jewish History Uncensored
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#144 - AI & Human Accomplishment
22 Jun 2023
This podcast episode delves into the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and explores the distinctions between AI and human intelligence. It di...
22 Jun 2023
Call Me Back
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"Losers Don't Come to Their College Reunions" -- with Bruce Feiler
12 Jun 2023
Bruce Feiler discusses the evolving nature of careers as highlighted in his new book, "The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World." He examin...
12 Jun 2023
Sources
Jews at the Gates of Law
4 Apr 2023
In Franz Kafka's story "Before the Law," a man from the country seeks entry into a metaphorical law but is continually delayed by a gatekeeper, serving as an...
4 Apr 2023
Sources
In Defense of Surrender in Liberal Jewish Life
4 Apr 2023
This article explores the distinction between submission and surrender in liberal Jewish life, arguing that while submission connotes a loss of self to exter...
4 Apr 2023
Sources
Is There a God in This <em>Halakhah</em>?
4 Apr 2023
The article explores the relationship between halakhah (Jewish law) and the presence of God, challenging the notion that halakhah inherently reflects divine ...
4 Apr 2023
Tel Aviv Review
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Judaism and Liberalism: Brothers From Another Mother
27 Mar 2023
Dr. Shivi Greenfield explores the relationship between Judaism and Liberalism in his book "Judaism and Liberalism: A Metaphysical Tale of Two Siblings," sugg...
27 Mar 2023
Jewish History Uncensored
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#127 - The Challenge of Rationalism - Vilna Gaon’s Response
16 Feb 2023
In this discussion, the focus is on the Vilna Gaon's response to rationalistic thought, questioning whether rational thought should be completely avoided or ...
16 Feb 2023
Jewish History Uncensored
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#126 - Haskala and Enlightenment - The Vilna Gaon’s Response
9 Feb 2023
In this discussion, the focus is on the Jewish response to the Enlightenment movement, particularly examining the Vilna Gaon's perspective. The Vilna Gaon's ...
9 Feb 2023
What Matters Now
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What Matters Now to philosopher Micah Goodman: Preventing civil war
2 Feb 2023
Philosopher Micah Goodman discusses the current polarization in Israeli society and the potential for civil conflict, emphasizing the roles of empathy and un...
2 Feb 2023
Call Me Back
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The Economy in 2023 -- with Mohamed El-Erian
16 Jan 2023
In this episode of "Call Me Back," Mohamed El-Erian discusses the economic landscape of 2023, addressing concerns about inflation and the potential for reces...
16 Jan 2023
Forward
At 89, Cormac McCarthy has created his first Jewish characters — not that it matters
19 Dec 2022
In his latest novels, "The Passenger" and "Stella Maris," Cormac McCarthy introduces his first Jewish characters, Bobby and Alicia Western. While the plot is...
19 Dec 2022
Sources
Embracing the Jewish Intellectual Tradition
2 Dec 2022
The article highlights Michael Twitty's book *Koshersoul*, which emphasizes his embrace of Judaism's intellectual tradition as a continual process of learnin...
2 Dec 2022
Sources
Liberal Zionism & the Idea of the Idea
2 Dec 2022
This article delves into the concept of "the idea of the idea" within the context of liberal Zionism, which reflects broader themes in Jewish and religious c...
2 Dec 2022
Sources
Zionism and Power: The Challenge of Our Time
2 Dec 2022
This article explores the complex interplay between Zionism and the concept of divine power, comparing biblical narratives from Genesis and Deuteronomy with ...
2 Dec 2022
Sources
Variations on the Shema
1 Dec 2022
In his thought-provoking article, "Variations on the Shema," Samuel Fleischacker explores the multifaceted nature and significance of the Shema in Jewish lif...
1 Dec 2022
Sources
Radical Amazement
1 Dec 2022
The book 'Radical Amazement' by Julian E. Zelizer is a biography that chronicles the life and enduring impact of Abraham Joshua Heschel, a major Jewish think...
1 Dec 2022
Sources
Beyond the Two-State Solution
1 Dec 2022
The book "Haifa Republic: A Democratic Future for Israel" by Omri Boehm examines the crisis facing liberal Zionism due to the collapse of the two-state solut...
1 Dec 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#116 - Kabbala, Chassidus & Spirituality
1 Dec 2022
This episode explores the basic structure of Kabbalah with a focus on the Ari's contributions, as well as the innovations in Kabbalah and Avodas Hashem by th...
1 Dec 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#112 - R Kook on Spinoza & the Besht
3 Nov 2022
In this episode, Rabbi Kook's statement about a potential relationship between Spinoza's pantheistic ideas and the teachings of the Besht is explored. The ep...
3 Nov 2022
Unorthodox
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Halloween bonus
31 Oct 2022
In this Halloween-themed episode of Unorthodox, Liel considers how Jews can engage with Halloween by analyzing horror films and their connections to Jewish v...
31 Oct 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#111 - National Identity, Spinoza & Zionism
27 Oct 2022
This episode delves into the relationship between National Identity and Religion, examining the classical understanding of this connection and its relevance ...
27 Oct 2022
Call Me Back
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The Economic "Trilemma" - with Mohamed El-Erian
27 Oct 2022
Dr. Mohamed El-Erian discusses the challenging economic landscape marked by high inflation, geopolitical tensions, and potential recession risks, analyzing t...
27 Oct 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#109 - Determinism and Tefilah
13 Oct 2022
This text discusses Spinoza's philosophy of determinism and its contrast with the Torah's view, emphasizing the importance of free will in areas such as mora...
13 Oct 2022
The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner
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After Yom Kippur, one author is asking: Can we actually make Heaven on Earth?
6 Oct 2022
Martin Rutte discusses his Project Heaven on Earth, which aims to apply the Jewish concept of tikkun olam beyond traditional religious settings, fostering gl...
6 Oct 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#108 - Determinism & Justice
28 Sep 2022
In this episode, the discussion critiques Spinoza's philosophy of determinism, highlighting flaws in his ideas. The example of Divine Providence in The Battl...
28 Sep 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#105 - National Identity, Einstein & Determinism
8 Sep 2022
This episode discusses the influence of national identity on assimilated Jews like Einstein, exploring how being Jewish impacted Einstein professionally and ...
8 Sep 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#104 - Rationalism, Spinoza & Einstein
1 Sep 2022
The text discusses the concept of rationalism from a Torah perspective, focusing on figures like Spinoza and Einstein. It explores how Spinoza and modern phi...
1 Sep 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#101 - Spinoza & Dibukim
11 Aug 2022
This episode delves into Spinoza's questions about authorship in the Tanach and how they relate to Jewish history, highlighting a fundamental flaw. It also e...
11 Aug 2022
The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner
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At nearly 80 years old, Gary Averbach is trekking 1,000km across Canada for cancer research
28 Jul 2022
On this episode of The CJN Daily, Gary Averbach discusses his personal journey walking 1,000 kilometers across Canada to honor a promise to his late cousin a...
28 Jul 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#97 - Spinoza’s Great Mistake
14 Jul 2022
The episode discusses Spinoza's error in criticizing Tanach for not aligning with Euclidean style logic, asserting that most of Tanach and Chazal's interpret...
14 Jul 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#94 - Spinoza, Shabtai Tzvi, and Atheism
23 Jun 2022
In this discussion, the focus is on Spinoza's Jewish identity and his denial of being Jewish. The episode explores Spinoza's reaction to the Shabtai Tzvi sto...
23 Jun 2022
The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner
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Shopify’s Harley Finkelstein wants to bring Jewish life back to downtown Ottawa
21 Jun 2022
In this episode, Harley Finkelstein, president of Shopify, discusses his philanthropic efforts to reinvigorate Jewish life in downtown Ottawa by supporting t...
21 Jun 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#93 - Spinoza in Rijnsburg & Voorburg
16 Jun 2022
This episode discusses Spinoza's life in Rijnsburg and his move to Voorburg, highlighting his relationship with DeVries and his colleagues' reactions to his ...
16 Jun 2022
Unorthodox
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49 Days: Week 7, Malchut
5 Jun 2022
Kylie Unnell's podcast miniseries, "49 Days to Stretch My Soul," culminates in a profound exploration of Malchut, or majesty, the final week of counting the ...
5 Jun 2022
Unorthodox
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49 Days: Week 6, Yesod
29 May 2022
In this episode, Kylie Unell explores the sixth week of the Omer related to the attribute of Yesod, focusing on connection and bonding. Through conversations...
29 May 2022
Jewish History Uncensored
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#90 - The Challenge of Focus
26 May 2022
This episode explores the challenge of focus in contemporary society, noting the lack of discussion on ultimate human accomplishment. It delves into factors ...
26 May 2022
Unorthodox
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49 Days: Week 5, Hod
22 May 2022
This episode explores the attribute of Hod, or humility, in the context of counting the Omer, highlighting the tension between self-assertion and submission ...
22 May 2022