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PODCAST

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition

Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today

Hosted by lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni, Judaism Demystified was founded to explore topics often overlooked in conventional Jewish education. Through long-form conversations with leading religious thinkers, scientists, and historians, the podcast draws from the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition while embracing the intellectual legacy of Rabbi Sacks. Our goal is to reignite a passion for classical Jewish wisdom, returning to foundational ideas and fostering meaningful engagement with Jewish

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

01:16:09

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

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/07/14

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 context of his work, highlighting how these factors influence our interpretation of Light of the Lord. We discuss the unique organizational structure

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01:22:46

Episode 93: Rabbi Chaim Eisen "Jewish Philosophy...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/05/09

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 determined by physiological and environmental factors. Rabbi Eisen's insights prompt us to consider whether there is a clear demarcation or a more subtle

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00:54:18

Episode 92: Dr. William Lane Craig "Rational...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/04/11

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, particularly in relation to the Big Bang theory. He explains why 'Creation Ex Deo' is in direct opposition to the biblical narrative,

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01:31:37

Episode 91: Frank Meeink "Chronicles of a Recovering...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/04/03

"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 hatred, and his struggles with addiction left him vulnerable to the influence of a few skinhead gang recruiters. By the age of 16, he had

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02:01:38

Episode 90: Professor Daniel C. Matt "Becoming Elijah"

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/03/27

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', and the profound meaning of the qol demamah daqqah, "a sound of sheer stillness." He also examines Elijah's

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01:45:45

Episode 89: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss & Rabbi Dovid...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/03/20

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 immense contributions not just to Jewish thought but also to the realms of science and philosophy. Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss and Rabbi Dovid Campbell share their

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01:15:23

Episode 88: Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman "The Dead...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/03/15

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 religious, social, and political dynamics of the Second Temple period, shedding light on the beliefs, practices, and historical context of this pivotal era

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02:11:11

Episode 87: Dr. Lenn E. Goodman "Depopulating the...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/03/03

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 perspectives and clarity to Maimonides' complex ideas. The discussion then turns to the inherent challenges in comprehending the Guide, stemming from

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01:27:52

Episode 86: J.J. Kimche "Assessing the Gush Tanakh...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/02/23

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 that the text of the Tanakh is multi-layered, containing profound meanings that can be revealed through careful analysis of its language, grammar, syntax,

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01:05:47

Episode 85: Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo "The Legacy of...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/02/16

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 Ḥakhamim throughout the generations. Discover why Rabbi Berdugo believes that now, more than ever, understanding the teachings of our

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01:15:29

Episode 84: Rabbi Dr. Marc B. Shapiro "The Rabbinic...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/02/08

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 backing and opposition, and how their beliefs diverge from contemporary Reform movements. Rabbi Shapiro provides illuminating examples of halakhic reforms

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00:54:58

Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs....

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/02/01

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. Our focus in this discussion is his book "Rationalism vs. Mysticism: Schisms in Traditional Jewish Thought." There are specific chapters that we feel

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01:21:13

Episode 82: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/01/26

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 meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons

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01:30:06

Episode 81: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/01/19

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 meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons embedded within

en

01:24:28

Episode 80: Professor Jeffrey L. Rubenstein "Elisha...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2024/01/09

In 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 meticulous analysis of the traditions about Aḥer, examining the striking similarities, nuanced differences, varied approaches, and profound lessons embedded within

en

01:27:46

Episode 79: J.J. Kimche & Daniel A. Klein "Letters on...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2023/12/25

Embark on a fascinating journey through the corridors of Jewish history as we unravel the enigmatic and controversial discussions surrounding the authenticity of the Zohar and the profound role of Kabbalah in Jewish thought and practice. For the first time ever, J.J. Kimche and Daniel A. Klein, authors of the groundbreaking new book "Letters on Kabbalah," present an exclusive compilation of correspondences, meticulously translated into English. These monumental letters, penned by four distinguished

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01:07:02

Episode 78: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot "Mikra & Meaning"

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2023/09/22

Our discussion begins with Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot eloquently tackling the nuances of curricula, pedagogical choices, methodologies, and values in the study of Tanakh. He sheds light on how some traditional elements within the Orthodox community may potentially affect reverence for God and traditional piety, also known as "Yirat Shamayim." Rabbi Helfgot presents a compelling perspective on the attitudes of Geonic and medieval rabbis towards Midrash, and why it matters. He also highlights why

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00:57:02

Episode 77: Rabbi Michael Hattin "The Challenge of...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2023/09/10

Rabbi Michael Hattin begins by unraveling the overarching theme of the Book of Joshua, a theme that underpins the entire narrative. He provides illuminating examples from the text, particularly focusing on the intriguing interplay between divine design and human initiative, offering a fresh perspective on this complex dynamic. We then delve into Joshua's decision to send spies into the Promised Land, a controversial decision given the previous misadventure of the spies in the Book of Numbers

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01:07:47

Episode 76: Rabbi Nathan Laufer "Rosh Hashana Revealed"

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2023/09/05

Prepare to embark on a thought-provoking exploration of Rosh Hashanah like never before, as we engage in a captivating conversation with Rabbi Nathan Laufer, author of the eye-opening book "Rendezvous with God." In this interview, we unravel the enigma that is Rosh Hashanah and challenge the conventional understanding of this sacred holiday. Rabbi Laufer begins by sharing his inspiration behind writing "Rendezvous with God" and the unique methodology he employed to delve into the

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00:58:07

Episode 75: Elisheva Liss, LMFT "Healthy Intimate...

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today"s Perplexed:... ·

2023/08/31

Elisheva Liss, LMFT, an esteemed thought leader on cultivating healthy relationships in the frum world, unveils the complexities of premarital education, intimacy, mental health, and religious taboos across various communities. Her expert guidance illuminates the importance of open communication, shared values, and realistic expectations as the pillars of successful relationships. As she delves into the nuances of intimacy, she skillfully navigates the fusion of tradition and psychology, offering

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