27 Mar
Parsha Problems
The episode delves into the variations within the Parsha system across different versions of the Tanakh and the historical controversy over writing systems for Nevi'im, emphasizing why Nevi'im was the focus of so much debate. Additionally, it explores the significance of repetitive phrases in the Tanakh, using Shir Hashirim as an example to illustrate these concepts within biblical texts.
27 Mar
This Holocaust survivor rediscovered her Jewish roots decades later—thanks to a Canadian genealogist
Jewish genealogist Stanley Diamond helped uncover the true identity of Maria Vasitinskaya, born Rivka Silber, who was left in a ditch during the Holocaust and raised as a Christian, by connecting her with her surviving Jewish relatives decades later. Author Amy Fish shares the story's journey to publication and her personal connection to the tale, revealing the profound impact of family reunions on Holocaust survivors.
27 Mar
How Israel Will Save Western Civilization, with Josh Hammer
Josh Hammer discusses his book 'Israel and Civilization' with Liel Leibovitz, positing that the future of Western civilization is intricately tied to the success of Israel and the Jewish people. The conversation explores the challenges posed by the Neo-Nietzschean right and the liberal Jewish loss of direction, advocating for a Jewish-Christian coalition to navigate current global tumult.
25 Mar
Sylvia and Simon Jacobson: How Different Generations Talk About Jewish Life [Divergence 1/4]
Sylvia and Simon Jacobson, from different generations, discuss Chabad's enduring legacy and approach to intergenerational continuity. They explore how concepts like tzimtzum and teaching methods influence Jewish life and tradition across diverse historical contexts.
20 Mar
Hasid or Hipster?
Mik Moore discusses the revival of 'Heeb' magazine, aiming to recapture the innovative and rebellious Jewish cultural spirit of the early 2000s for a new generation. He outlines the project's goals to explore Jewish subcultures and confront modern challenges, including the resurgence of antisemitism, while maintaining the irreverence and humor of the original publication.
20 Mar
Mark Gottlieb and Anna Moreland on Judaism, Christianity, and Forgiveness
Rabbi Mark Gottlieb and Professor Anna Moreland explore the themes of forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation across Judaism and Christianity, particularly in the context of contemporary issues such as cancel culture and the moral response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. The conversation is anchored by a statement made by Jewish and Christian theologians, highlighting both shared values and distinct approaches to forgiveness within each tradition.
20 Mar
The “Cessation’s Cessation” Edition
Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza raises concerns about the fate of hostages and broader geopolitical implications as Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to dismiss the Shabak head, stirring debates about governance and democracy. Host Miriam Herschlag reflects on personal resilience amid tumultuous news, highlighting both communal solidarity and personal courage during uncertain times.
20 Mar
Inflation, the Economy, and Drugs
David Bahnsen and Tevi Troy discuss the implications of the Federal Reserve's strategies to handle inflation, tied to the uncertainties sparked by the current administration's tariff policies. Additionally, the episode explores Tevi Troy's article praising Big Pharma, highlighting the significant economic and social contributions of pharmaceutical innovation amid rising bipartisan criticism.
20 Mar
Parsha Flow: Parsha to Parsha Flow
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein discusses the importance of understanding Parsha flow and how the interconnection between different Parshas can elucidate complex elements within them. He explores the significance of contextual and thematic storytelling in both Torah and Nevi'im to enhance comprehension of Jewish texts.
19 Mar
Trump, Year Zero
The episode explores the complexities of Trump's approach to foreign policy and legal order, particularly in handling the Ukraine-Russia conflict and exerting executive power domestically. It questions the implications of sweeping changes and legal battles initiated by the Trump administration as they attempt to redefine American political and legal traditions.
17 Mar
3/22/25 – Shiur 506 – The Battle over the Character of Israel – supporting progressive values or supporting Torah. How to handle Reform Judaism’s attacks against Torah observance
The episode delves into the dynamics within the World Zionist Organization, examining the roles and differences between the Mizrachi and Eretz HaKodesh parties and their interactions with Reform and Conservative Judaism. Key discussions include the impact of progressive values on Torah observance and the strategic responses to legal actions by the Reform Movement against Haredim.
13 Mar
Prophecy & Parsha
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into the principles of prophecy and their relation to writing in the Tanach, examining how prophetic requirements inform our understanding of Tanach's composition. Additionally, he discusses Rashi's systematic approach to interpreting the Parsha and his method of integrating Midrash to clarify vague passages.
12 Mar
This pro bono legal team has helped over 550 Canadian victims of antisemitism since Oct. 7
The episode discusses the establishment and impact of the CIJA Legal Task Force, a pro bono legal team that has assisted over 550 Canadian victims of antisemitism since October 2023. The episode also features interviews with key figures from the initiative, highlighting their efforts in tackling cases of antisemitism in universities, workplaces, and public institutions, amid a perceived failure of political and institutional protection for Jewish communities.
12 Mar
Why Trump’s Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil is Perfectly Legal, with Ilya Shapiro
Ilya Shapiro discusses the legal grounds for Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation from the U.S., emphasizing that it's a matter of immigration law violations due to advocating for terrorist groups, not a free speech issue. The episode critiques the mismanagement of Khalil's case by the left and some Jewish organizations, highlighting their reluctance to support these legal immigration actions.
6 Mar
Rashi’s Parsha Approach
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into Rashi's use of the parsha system in his commentaries, emphasizing its importance for understanding the Tanakh. He highlights the necessity of respecting traditional interpretations while acknowledging modern literary tools as secondary aids for deepening comprehension.
5 Mar
#91: The Purpose of Torah + Annual TORCH Fundraiser
Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the purpose of the Torah and its role in elevating humanity from a purely animalistic existence to one aligned with divine and spiritual principles. As part of a fundraising appeal, he emphasizes the importance of supporting TORCH's educational initiatives to help disseminate Torah teachings worldwide.
4 Mar
Ken Brodkin: A Shul Becomes Orthodox [Outreach 5/5]
Rabbi Ken Brodkin led the transition of Congregation B’nai Israel in Manalapan, New Jersey, to full Orthodox affiliation while maintaining a welcoming environment for Jews of all backgrounds. The community's transformation involved adding a mechitza and drawing upon Brodkin's diverse experience to address concerns of both longstanding and new congregants.
27 Feb
The “Unsettling Findings” Edition
The Promised Podcast episode discusses the Israeli Defense Forces' internal investigation of the October 7 attacks and reflects on the documentary 'No Other Land,' which chronicles the fraught existence of Palestinians in the West Bank's Masafa Yata amidst IDF and settler actions. Through these discussions, the episode explores the complex dynamics of accountability, justice, and hope in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
27 Feb
Parsha & Pshat
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein discusses the significance of the Parsha system as the organic division of the Tanakh, contrasting it with the chapter system created by English monks in the 1100s. The episode emphasizes how Rashi's use of the Parsha system influences the understanding of the text and explores the complexities of interpreting Torah portions.
20 Feb
Understanding Pshat
The episode explores the debate over whether Rashi's commentary on the Tanach is Pshat-based or Drush-based, emphasizing the importance of context in Torah interpretation and Rashi's unparalleled achievements in Jewish scholarship. The discussion highlights the connection between the Pshat perspective and the foundational tenets of Jewish belief, as well as the potential pitfalls of using purely Cartesian logic when studying Jewish texts.
20 Feb
Can Orthodox Judaism Be Reformed? with Rabbi Irving Greenberg
Rabbi Irving Greenberg presents his thought-provoking theories on the evolution of Jewish theology and the possibility of reforming Orthodox Judaism to reflect modern values. He emphasizes human responsibility and agency in the contemporary era, especially in relation to historic and potentially contentious issues like the Holocaust and LGBTQ rights.
17 Feb
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner: 'Before Trump, I believed that Gaza had to be controlled by Israel'
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the head of Shurat HaDin—Israel Law Center, discusses the moral complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her view of Gaza's future influenced by Trump's plans. She advocates for a stronger Israeli military presence in Gaza and supports prioritizing Jewish traditions over democratic principles in certain contexts.
14 Feb
2/15/25 – Shiur 502 – Trump's disengagement plan for Gaza – Is Gaza Halachically part of Eretz Yisroel?
Discussing the question of whether Gaza is considered part of Eretz Yisrael, David Lichtenstein invites Rabbi Yissochor Dov Krakowski and Rabbi Ari Waxman to explore the halachic and historical perspectives. The conversation touches on topics like Trumas and Maaseros, Kevura, and the historical presence of Jewish life in Gaza, referencing various rabbinic sources and historical events.
10 Feb
Shani Taragin: 'The ideal is for the Jewish People to live in the Land of Israel'
Rabbanit Shani Taragin shares her deep connection to Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people, discussing the challenges and ideals of religious Zionism. She navigates complex issues such as the release of Palestinian prisoners, the role of Zionism, and the delicate balance between hope and fear for Israel's future.
6 Feb
2/8/25 – Shiur 501 – Roommates – what are the major areas of conflict? Are there ways to resolve them?
Roommates often face conflicts over cleanliness, different kashrut standards, and ethical questions about shared spaces. Through halachic guidance and fostering communication, these issues can be approached with sensitivity, reflecting core Jewish values.
6 Feb
Shaping Judaism: The Evolution and Impact of Hebrew Printing - Israel Mizrahi Books
Israel Mizrahi explores the transformative role of Hebrew printing in shaping Jewish scholarship and culture, highlighting its impact from the printing press's inception through its continued legacy. He discusses the challenges, opportunities, and shifts in Jewish textual traditions as a result of printing advancements, as well as the social and economic factors influencing Jewish book publishing historically and today.
6 Feb
The Rule of Pshat & Rashi
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the complexities of understanding Tanakhic Hebrew, emphasizing the importance of knowing precise meanings of words in biblical exegesis. The episode delves into why Rashi penned an introduction to Shir HaShirim and not to other works like Kohelet.
5 Feb
How to be a Jew ... who claims Israel
Ben Freeman discusses the indigenous identity of the Jewish people in connection to Israel, challenging prevailing narratives that frame Jews solely as a religious group. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing Jewish indigeneity and Jewish pride in both historical and contemporary contexts amidst rising global tensions.
5 Feb
How to be a Jew ... who claims Israel
Ben M. Freeman discusses his new book, 'The Jews: An Indigenous People,' exploring the Jewish people's indigenous ties to Israel and the broader implications of Jewish identity. The conversation delves into the complexities of Judaism as both a civilization and a religion in the context of contemporary societal challenges.
4 Feb
Yitzchok Adlerstein: Zionism, the American Yeshiva World, and Reaching Beyond Our Community [Outreach 1/5]
Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein discusses the challenges and opportunities in reaching beyond Jewish communities, focusing on bridging the American yeshiva world with Israeli Haredi and other Jewish communities. He highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic shifts in Jewish and global communities to foster meaningful dialogues across different cultures and ideologies.
2 Feb
Q&A with Rabbi Dweck (January 2025) - Mixed Dancing, Gelatin, Studying Tanakh
Rabbi Joseph Dweck addresses a wide range of audience questions covering topics such as the structure of the Amidah, the interpretation of Midrashim, and the permissibility of mixed dancing in Jewish law. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and halakhic context when making religious decisions and stresses the need for comprehensive Jewish education, especially in Tanakh study.
30 Jan
1/25/25 – Shiur 500 – “Every shul has one” – dealing with the person who disturbs everyone
This episode delves into challenges faced by synagogues when dealing with disruptive individuals during services, exploring both psychological and communal responses. Experts discuss strategies for fostering a respectful environment while balancing compassion for those with possible mental health issues.
30 Jan
What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Death penalty for terrorists?
Haviv Rettig Gur analyzes the complex issue of implementing the death penalty in Israel for convicted terrorists, discussing its potential impact on hostage negotiations and its place in Israeli legal history. The episode examines cultural, ethical, and strategic factors without offering definitive solutions but provides a detailed exploration of the topic's nuances.
30 Jan
Academia & Midrashim: First Rule of Pshat
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein examines the complex relationship between academic interpretations and traditional Jewish approaches to Midrashim and Tanakh study. He emphasizes the foundational role of scholars like Rashi and Ramban in understanding the literal meanings of biblical texts and critiques the simplistic interpretations often found in academic circles.
24 Jan
1/25/25 – Shiur 499 – The Hostage Ransom – Negotiation or Capitulation?
The episode features discussions on the complex ethical and security implications of hostage ransom negotiations with groups like Hamas in Israel. Experts weigh in on the religious, political, and military considerations of such exchanges, highlighting the tension between immediate rescue and long-term security risks.
23 Jan
The “Word” Edition
The podcast dissects the new compromise proposal for judicial reform in Israel and evaluates its implications on the judicial appointment process. It also discusses how the hostages taken on October 7 impact public discourse and consciousness in Israel.
22 Jan
Death & Community: Jewish Burial Societies
Jewish burial societies, known as Hevra Kadisha, play a critical role in observing traditional Jewish rites related to death, ensuring the deceased are respectfully prepared and comfort is provided to mourners. This episode explores the historical development of these societies, their cultural significance, and their modern adaptations to include diverse Jewish communities and contemporary societal changes.
22 Jan
How to be a Jew … and a pragmatist
Rabbi Marc Katz discusses the pragmatic decisions underlying rabbinic Judaism, focusing on Yohanan ben Zakkai's choice to prioritize establishing a school over saving the Temple after its destruction. This conversation explores the balance between tradition-informed pragmatism and the challenges facing modern Jewish communities, including interfaith marriage and evolving Zionist sentiments.
22 Jan
How to be a Jew … and a pragmatist
Rabbi Marc Katz discusses the pragmatic approach of Yochanan ben Zakkai in preserving Jewish teachings by prioritizing the establishment of a school over saving the Temple. This conversation explores the implications of pragmatism in Jewish leadership and contemporary challenges, such as engagement with interfaith families and dealing with anti-Zionist sentiments.
21 Jan
Haym Soloveitchik: The Rupture and Reconstruction of Halacha (Halacha Series Re-Release)
Haym Soloveitchik's landmark article 'Rupture and Reconstruction' analyzes the evolution of Jewish halacha from a community-based, mimetic tradition to a text-based practice following the Holocaust. This shift has led to changes in Orthodox Jewish life, including increased stringency and a decreased sense of spiritual awe in everyday religious observance.
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by Matt Sienkiewicz
by Matt Sienkiewicz
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