In this thought-provoking episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Levi Brackman chats with Harvard PhD candidate JJ Kimche, who delves into the intersection of modern European philosophy and post-enlightenment Jewish thought. Covering a wide range of topics, including Jewish philosophy, theology, and history, they discuss key issues like the authorship of the Torah, biblical criticism, Chassidut, and free will.

They explore the tension between traditional religious beliefs and academic perspectives, with a spotlight on Rabbi Louis Jacobs, a key figure of controversy for his non-traditional views on Torah authorship. They also delve into the definitions and boundaries within Jewish Orthodoxy and the debate around them, highlighting the Maimonidean view of the Torah's divine dictation.

The conversation moves on to social factors in sectarian divisions, demonstrating how education, place of residence, and social status may shape one's religious affiliations, with a historical example of the reform movement in 19th century Germany. Reflecting on personal experiences, they explore how minor ideological differences can lead to major conflicts within a community.

A major focus of the discussion lies in the intersection of religion and science. They critique the misuse of historical religious texts in contemporary religious discussions and express the need for modern responses to contemporary issues. They acknowledge the challenges of biblical criticism, especially in balancing evidence-based argument and conjecture, and express a desire for more Orthodox scholars to engage with these issues.

The episode features a deep analysis of late Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks's work on reconciling religion and science. They discuss the complications of this reconciliation, acknowledging the public's preference for clear-cut answers and the challenges in convincing them to embrace a more nuanced, science-integrating view.

Towards the end, they emphasize the importance of intellectual honesty in scientific inquiry, acknowledging the existence of 'guardrails' based on personal convictions and foundational tenets. The discussion wraps up with a brief exploration of human agency and its place in various disciplines such as philosophy, neuroscience, and religion.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.