The Habura
We are a virtual and physical Bet Midrash with international membership dedicated to striving to know God by embracing the world through the lens of Torah. We learn and teach Torah as a lens through which we view and interact with God's world. This approach is not exclusive to, but is central and predominant in, the classical Sephardi mesorah that we uphold. We are proud to teach worldly students from across four continents and who work in a variety of professions.
24 Apr
A Bridge between Ashkenaz and Sepharad: Hakham Tsevi - Rabbi Yosie Levine
Rabbi Yosie Levine delves into the life and controversies surrounding Hakham Tsevi Ashkenazi, a prominent rabbinic figure bridging Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewries during the early 18th century. This episode highlights Hakham Tsevi's efforts to root out Sabbatean heresies and his challenges with religious authority in Amsterdam's Jewish community.
3 Apr
Q&A with Rabbi Dweck | Kitniyot, Shlissel Challa, Switching from Ashkenazi to Sepharadi (April 2025)
Rabbi Dweck addresses various questions posed by the Jewish community, discussing topics such as framing suffering in one's relationship with God, and understanding cultural engagement through a Torah lens. He emphasizes the importance of Jewish unity amidst a world perceived as hostile, and navigates questions around halakhic issues, personal identity, and the value of Kabbalah in modern Jewish discourse.
20 Feb
Is there Evidence for the Bible's Historicity? - Rabbi Zarum
Rabbi Raphael Zarum explores the historicity of the Bible, examining whether it holds as a historical and divine text. He differentiates between studying the Bible as a sacred text versus an academic subject, while also addressing archaeological evidence and literary readings that contribute to this discussion.
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.
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.
13 Jan
Se’adya Gaon: The Geonic Pillar of Al-Andalus - Jackson Gardner
Jackson Gardner explores the monumental influence of Saadia Gaon on Andalusian Sephardic Judaism and his parallels with later thinkers like Maimonides. By examining Saadia's philosophical, exegetical, and halakhic contributions, Gardner illustrates how Saadia shaped key aspects of Jewish thought that resonated through successive generations.
28 Nov 2024
Exploring Gan Eden - Rabbi Chaim Eisen
Rabbi Chaim Eisen explores the concept of Gan Eden across multiple Jewish texts, highlighting the divergence between its descriptions in the Tanakh and interpretations found in Talmudic and Midrashic literature. He discusses whether these interpretations should be considered allegory or symbolism, contrasting perspectives from prominent medieval Jewish thinkers, including Maimonides and Rashi.
25 Nov 2024
Saying a Berakha/Blessing over a Minhag - Rabbi Yossi Azose
Rabbi Yossi Azose explores the origins and reasons behind the practice of lighting Chanukah candles in synagogues (Bet Knesset) and whether a blessing (berakha) should be recited, delving into historical, halakhic, and minhagic perspectives. He provides insights from various rabbinic sources and offers an original hypothesis on the transition of blessings from biblical commandments to expressions of communal kudos (shevach).
6 Nov 2024
Is Praying at Gravesites a Grave Mistake? - Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo
Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo delves into the debate around visiting gravesites for prayer, discussing whether it is permissible or even desirable according to Jewish law and philosophy, with a focus on interpretations by the Rambam. He explores various perspectives, including that of the Zohar and other Rabbinic authorities, contrasting the views that encourage direct communication with the deceased with those that consider such practices suspect or forbidden.
31 Oct 2024
Q&A with Rabbi Dweck - LED on Shabbat, Kashrut, and Eruv Tavshilin (October 2024)
Rabbi Joseph Dweck addresses a wide range of halakhic questions from the interpretation of extraterrestrial life in relation to Judaism to complex halakhic issues about using LED lights on Shabbat. The discussions also touch upon philosophical questions such as the nature of sin in historical contexts and the handling of communal traditions.
30 Sep 2024
Why Science Matters - Rabbi Feder and Rabbi Zimmer (Interviewed by Sina Kahen)
Rabbi Eli Feder and Rabbi Aharon Zimmer discuss the intersection of Torah and science, emphasizing how modern scientific concepts like fine-tuning can enhance understanding of God's creation and unity. The conversation explores potential challenges of integrating science into Jewish study and the importance of approaching such integration with a coherent Torah perspective to avoid misconceptions.
26 Sep 2024
Q&A with Rabbi Dweck | September 2024
Rabbi Joseph Dweck addresses questions on various religious topics, including the influence of society on personal beliefs and the theological need for miracles. He emphasizes the importance of community and the idea that one's environment significantly affects their thinking and moral direction.
3 Sep 2024
Halakha: Action with Purpose - Rabbi Joseph Dweck
Rabbi Joseph Dweck explores the fundamental relationship between halakha (Jewish law) and the covenant (berit) made between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing halakha's role in maintaining an active relationship with God. He discusses the importance of mitzvot (commandments) as divinely ordained bridges that enable this connection, noting the critical distinction between being descendants of Abraham and actively participating in the covenant through mitzvot.
1 Jul 2024
The Edge of Reason - Rabbi Joseph Dweck
Rabbi Joseph Dweck discusses the limitations of reason and the significance of inductive reasoning in understanding metaphysical concepts such as consciousness and religious thought. Highlighting the importance of humility, he argues that while reason helps ground reality, it should not overreach into realms beyond its explanatory power, where intuition and metaphysical inquiry hold sway.
16 Jun 2024
When Torah Principles Confront Western Sensibilities - Ohad Fedida
Ohad Fedida discusses the conflicts that arise when Western values clash with Torah principles, examining historical, cultural, and moral contexts to propose a balanced approach. He emphasizes the importance of applying eternal Torah principles in a generationally sensitive manner to align with contemporary sensibilities without compromising on core values.
10 Jun 2024
A Conversation About Moreh HaNebukhim - Dr Lenn E Goodman & Eli Shaubi
The episode delves into the complexities of Maimonides' "Guide to the Perplexed," focusing on its philosophical and theological insights in relation to Jewish and Islamic thought. Dr. Lenn E. Goodman and Eli Shaubi explore Maimonides' engagement with philosophical dilemmas of creation, prophecy, and the reconciliation of faith with reason, emphasizing the significance of poetry and philosophical inquiry in understanding divine concepts.
4 Jun 2024
HaRambam’s Grandson: The Legacy of Rabbi David HaNagid - Rabbi Joshua BerdugoHaRambam’s Grandson: The Legacy of Rabbi David HaNagid - Rabbi Joshua Berdugo
Rabbi Joshua Berdugo explores the often overlooked legacy of Rabbi David HaNagid, grandson of the Rambam, highlighting his contributions to Jewish thought and leadership. Berdugo connects his historical insights with contemporary Jewish learning and his personal journey in Jewish education and leadership.
22 May 2024
Torah Insights: From the Battlefield in Gaza
Joey Faur reflects on his IDF reserve duty during the October 7th operation, sharing insights on Jewish unity and faith amidst conflict. He emphasizes the significance of community support and religious practices even in challenging circumstances.
16 May 2024
Q&A with Rabbi Dweck - Eurovision, Prayer, Learning with Haredi Friends
Rabbi Dweck provides solutions to various questions, from maintaining focus during prayer to understanding the significance of different Torah scripts. He also addresses cultural integration within Jewish communities and the value of lifelong learning and reasoning in grasping religious and historical concepts.
7 May 2024
Revisiting ‘Charity’ (The Laws of צדקה) (Part 1) - Rabbi Ilan Acoca
Rabbi Ilan Acoca delves into the intricacies of tzedakah (charity) laws, drawing extensively from the Mishneh Torah and emphasizing the ethical and practical dimensions of giving. He highlights the balance between monetary aid and emotional support, underscoring the responsibility of addressing individual needs within the community.