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

Episode 55: Rabbi Yamin Levy "The Mysticism of Andalusia"


Listen Later

Rabbi Yamin Levy's phenomenal new book, The Mysticism of Andalusia: Exploring HaRambam's Mystical Tradition, is a remarkable presentation of the Andalusian tradition, a significant but often overlooked part of Jewish history. In this episode, Rabbi Levy shares invaluable insights into the teachings of HaRambam through meticulous research and analysis, challenging the misconceptions that have long surrounded this pivotal figure. His book effectively refutes the notion that Rambam was a "daat yachid," highlighting his role as a transmitter of tradition. We also explore the misunderstood concept of HaRambam being both a rationalist and a mystic (which is further clarified in our interview with Prof. Menachem Kellner, who also wrote a review of Rabbi Levy's book). Rabbi Levy draws a clear distinction between Mysticism and Kabbalah, expanding on the idea that Hebrew mysticism is an anthropological dimension and the very purpose of the human race, as taught by the late Hakham Dr. José Faur a'h. Rabbi Levy's book serves as an excellent introduction to the study of Moreh HaNevukhim (The Guide for the Perplexed), exploring the Andalusian spiritual and mystical practices presented in Rambam's works. In it, he sheds light on topics such as love and awe of God, silent meditation, and the spiritual aspects of mitzvot, Shabbat, tefillah, Keriat Shema, providence, the soul, the afterlife, and the role of the prophet. We also address the misconception that mysticism must be fantastical, superstitious, and magical. He explains the difference between two major strains of mystical tradition: Maaseh Merkabah and the Zohar. Rabbi Levy's work shows that authentic Jewish mysticism does not have to defy reason and provides the educated twenty-first-century Jewish seeker with a Jewish mystical practice that does not compromise one's theological and philosophical principles. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Rabbi Yamin Levy as we explore the fascinating world of Jewish mysticism and the teachings of HaRambam.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and TraditionBy Ben and Benzi | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

30 ratings


More shows like JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition

View all
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

546 Listeners

The Tikvah Podcast by Tikvah

The Tikvah Podcast

626 Listeners

What Matters Now by The Times of Israel

What Matters Now

335 Listeners

Orthodox Conundrum by Scott Kahn

Orthodox Conundrum

218 Listeners

Jewish History Soundbites by Yehuda Geberer

Jewish History Soundbites

453 Listeners

The Q & A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast by Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz

The Q & A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast

236 Listeners

Meaningful People by Meaningful Minute

Meaningful People

1,968 Listeners

18Forty Podcast by 18Forty

18Forty Podcast

669 Listeners

For Heaven's Sake by Shalom Hartman Institute

For Heaven's Sake

424 Listeners

The Ḥabura by The Ḥabura

The Ḥabura

22 Listeners

Kosher Money by Living Lchaim

Kosher Money

805 Listeners

History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast by JLE

History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

214 Listeners

Jewish History Nerds by Unpacked

Jewish History Nerds

184 Listeners

The Podcast of Jewish Ideas by Torah in Motion

The Podcast of Jewish Ideas

35 Listeners

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam by Unpacked

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

128 Listeners