In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Simi Lerner to explore the enduring relevance of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a thinker whose insights into faith, identity, and modernity deserve far more attention. Rav Hirsch’s teachings, though often overlooked, offer a powerful framework for modern Jews striving to live with purpose and clarity in a complex world. Rabbi Lerner reflects on his personal connection to Rav Hirsch’s revolutionary ideas and explains why he is passionate about bringing them to a wider audience. We dive into Rav Hirsch’s unique approach to aggadic literature and midrash, his masterful engagement with science, and his ability to harmonize faith and reason. Rabbi Lerner also shares examples of Rav Hirsch’s stunning interpretations of the weekly parasha, showcasing the brilliance and depth of his thought. This conversation is a reminder that Rav Hirsch’s wisdom is not just timeless—it’s timely, offering profound insights for anyone seeking to live a meaningful Jewish life today.

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• Bio: Originally from Edgware, UK, Rabbi Simi Lerner now lives in Bet Shemesh, Israel, with his wife, Rivka, and their four sons. He teaches Jewish philosophy at several institutions, including Midreshet Rachel, Midreshet Tehilla, and Shapells, and serves as Senior Educator for Lema'an Achai. Rabbi Lerner hosts the podcast Judaism from Within and 2 Rabbis 3 Opinions, shares video discussions with his wife on Facebook, and lectures online. In addition to his scholarly work, he works as a licensed electrician, teaches woodworking, and works part-time as a science teacher at a local primary school.

Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Gil Student to explore his groundbreaking work in Jewish thought and scholarship. We begin with his journey as the founder of the influential Hirhurim/Torah Musings blog, delving into the motivations behind creating this pioneering platform and its lasting impact on the Jewish intellectual landscape in the internet era. Rabbi Student shares insights from his latest book, Articles of Faith, where he examines Judaism's nuanced stance on other religions, drawing on Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ thought-provoking perspectives in The Dignity of Difference. We also tackle the controversy surrounding Rabbi Sacks’ view of "ger" as a stranger, seemingly contrasting the traditional rabbinic understanding of "ger" as a convert. Rabbi Student gets into the sources and makes a compelling argument in support of Rabbi Sacks' position. Finally, we navigate the intersection of Torah and science, addressing Rabbi Meiselman’s assertion of unanimity among classical authorities and exploring whether there is room for diverse opinions within the framework of Jewish tradition. While we couldn’t cover everything in one session, Rabbi Student’s critique of Rabbi Marc Shapiro’s approach to mesorah is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this essential topic. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that teases some of the most insightful topics in Rabbi Student's new book.

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In his third appearance on the show, Rabbi Abe H. Faur joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving dynamics of leadership and tradition within the Jewish community. We begin by examining the concepts of "Gedolim" and "Daas Torah," cornerstones of Haredi influence. Rabbi Faur shares his perspective on whether these ideas align with Torah values and how they shape the Haredi community's approach to authority and decision-making. Next, we turn to the groundbreaking work of his father, Hakham Yosef Faur a'h, and his seminal book Horizontal Society. Rabbi Faur explains the essence of the Horizontal Society concept, its roots in our mesorah, and how it contrasts with the hierarchical, dynastic structures that dominate today. He also unpacks the idea of "Alphabetic Judaism," offering a powerful vision for the Jewish nation rooted in Sepharadi tradition and standing in stark contrast to Greek philosophical and societal frameworks. Finally, we address the challenges faced by his father, Hakham Faur, in his mission to revive and preserve the traditions of Old Sepharad, particularly in the face of opposition from the "black hat" community. Rabbi Faur reflects on his father’s legacy, his unwavering commitment to authenticity, and the personal struggles he endured. In closing, Rabbi Faur shares his thoughts on the future of Judaism and whether he remains hopeful in light of these challenges. This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to a towering legacy and a powerful call for introspection as a nation.

In this episode, we are honored to welcome back Rabbi Moshe Taragin to discuss his latest book, Reclaiming Redemption: Deciphering the Maze of Jewish History. This profound work examines the progression of Jewish history toward its ultimate goal—redemption—exploring how prophecies, the teachings of Chazal, and historical events shape our understanding of geulah as both a process and a principle of Jewish belief. Our conversation delves into the role of collective identity in sustaining the Jewish people, the unique influence of the Land of Israel on our spiritual lives, and how Jewish values have been historically twisted to fuel antisemitism. We also explore the tension between messianic hope and the actions that undermine it, as well as the profound question of whether redemption or repentance must come first.  Join us for a deeply engaging and thought-provoking discussion that not only illuminates the challenges and triumphs of Jewish history but also explores the critical role of Jewish identity in shaping our future, especially in light of the profound shifts post-October 7th. Rabbi Taragin provides profound insights into the redemptive journey, inspiring us to reflect on how the struggles and resilience of our collective past inform our spiritual bond with the Land of Israel and our ongoing connection with God. This conversation challenges us to consider how recent events will redefine our purpose as a people and the unfolding process of geulah in our generation.

Renowned Christian philosopher and theologian Dr. Paul Copan joins us to explore our shared values and address the ethical questions people are faced with when reading the Bible. He discusses how modern readers often overlook the Torah’s revolutionary impact by viewing it solely through a contemporary lens, which strips it of historical context. Together, we examine the Mosaic laws in contrast to other ancient laws, like the Code of Hammurabi, revealing just how transformative the Torah was within its pagan surroundings. Dr. Copan shares his approach to interpreting morally challenging passages, applying a “charitability and Golden Rule” perspective that uncovers the depths in the Torah’s narratives. Dr. Copan provides a nuanced understanding focused on careful textual analysis. He highlights the Bible’s distinct stance on slavery, distinguishing it from the brutal chattel slavery of later times and showing how Judeo-Christian values contributed to its eventual abolition. Naysayers and skeptics are challenged to rethink their preconceived notions about the Torah, especially regarding topics like divine justice, slavery, capital punishment, the Wayward Son, the Sotah ritual, and other often misunderstood sections. What are we to make of what appears to be God's call to wipe out Canaanites and Amalekites? How do we understand the massive loss of life decreed by God in the Great Flood and the death of the Egyptian first-born? This is a discussion you don't want to miss.

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• Bio: Paul Copan (Ph.D., Philosophy, Marquette University) is a Christian theologian, analytic philosopher, apologist, and author. He is currently a professor at the Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida) and holds the endowed Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics. He is author or editor of nearly 50 books, including the very popular, strong-selling book Is God a Moral Monster? as well as its companion volume, the award-winning Is God a Vindictive Bully? He is coeditor of The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Religion, The Naturalness of Theistic Belief, Philosophy of Religion: Classic and Contemporary Issues, and The Kalām Cosmological Argument (a two-volume anthology). He is coauthor of Creation out of Nothing and Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom. He has also contributed essays to over 60 books, both scholarly and popular, and he has authored a number of articles in professional journals. In 2017 and 2024, he has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford (Wycliffe Hall and Oriel College). For six years, he served as president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He also helped establish the PBA's M.A. in Philosophy of Religion; PBA also a B.A. in Apologetics, and it offers a Program in Cultural Apologetics (which is heavily scholarshiped). He is co-chair of Tyndale Fellowship's Philosophy of Religion Study Group, which meets every summer in England. Paul is married to Jacqueline, and they have six children.

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• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum offers a refreshingly different approach to the deep questions of faith, one that immediately stands out from the typical answers often heard in outreach settings. For those who think critically and seek more than surface-level responses, his intellectual honesty and respect for scientific thought set him apart. In our conversation, we explore how Rabbi Zarum confronts issues like the compatibility of creation and evolution, the historicity of the flood story, and grappling with belief in the modern era, without shying away from the intellectual rigor such topics require. He engages directly with scientific perspectives and provides answers that are not only rooted in traditional Jewish thought but also show a deep respect for modern scientific inquiry. His responses invite reflection and dialogue, rather than offering neat conclusions, making his approach especially valuable for those who are unsatisfied with overly simplistic explanations. Rabbi Zarum’s method bridges the gap between faith and reason, allowing for a more sophisticated, thoughtful exploration of belief that resonates with individuals who crave both intellectual honesty and spiritual depth. His work acknowledges that doubt isn't something to be brushed aside, but rather, it can lead to a more profound and mature faith. As his mentor, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, said, "Faith is the courage to live with uncertainty." (A special thank you goes out to our dear friend and podcast guest, Daniel Jonas, for setting this up).

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• Bio: Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum is Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), formerly known as Jews’ College, where he holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, established by the Zandan family. He also serves as Scholar-in-Residence at the Central Square Minyan in Hampstead Garden Suburb. He has a PhD in Theoretical Physics from King’s College London, an MA in Education from University College London, rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Sacks zt”l and the Montefiore Kollel, and is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership School in Jerusalem. His writings on Bible, philosophy, education, and Jewish life regularly appear in the Jewish press, academic journals, and book collections.

www.lsjs.ac.uk

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• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Questioning-Belief-Torah-Tradition-Doubt/dp/1592646190

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• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rabbi Steven Pruzansky to explore the rich themes of his latest book, "Repentance for Life" (Kodesh Press). Rabbi Pruzansky begins by sharing the inspiration behind the book, including the significant impact of his teacher, Rabbi Yisroel Chait. We then delve into the chapter "Repentance and the Land of Israel," where Rabbi Pruzansky sheds light on the deep connection between teshuva and the Land of Israel. Our conversation continues with an exploration of "Repentance and Suffering," as Rabbi Pruzansky unpacks the crucial lessons he hopes readers will grasp about the transformative power of suffering in the process of repentance. Finally, we dive into the symbolism of the Yom Kippur scapegoat and its profound relationship to teshuva, as outlined in the chapter "Repentance and the Yom Kippur Scapegoat." Whether you're deeply familiar with these topics or just beginning to explore them, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and reflections that will help you get into the right mindset as we approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

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• Bio: Rabbi Steven Pruzansky is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, New Jersey, where he served from 1994–2020 when he made Aliyah. He currently serves as Israel Region Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values and as Senior Rabbinic Scholar at Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah in Modi’in. He is a graduate of Columbia University (BA in History), earned his law degree at Cardozo School of Law and practiced law in New York City for 13 years. Rabbi Pruzansky is a musmach of Yeshiva Bnei Torah under the guidance of Rav Yisroel Chait. Rabbi Pruzansky resides in Modi’in.

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• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Repentance-Life-Steven-Pruzansky/dp/1947857703#:~:text=Repentance%20for%20Life%20explores%20eighteen

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• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

In this insightful episode, we welcome Rabbi Yaakov Beasley to discuss his book "Joel, Obadiah, and Micah: Facing the Storm," part of the acclaimed Maggid Studies in Tanakh series. Rabbi Beasley begins by sharing his background and what inspired him to write this work. He also introduces the Gush Tanakh Method for listeners unfamiliar with it, before directly addressing JJ Kimche’s criticisms from our previous interview. We then dive into the etymology and role of a נביא (prophet) and explore how we should understand prophecies that seem to have gone unfulfilled. Rabbi Beasley identifies three key reasons why modern readers often struggle to connect with the writings of the prophets, while also providing a brief history of Yisrael and Yehudah, essential for understanding the prophets' messages. Next, we turn to the specific prophets discussed in his book. Rabbi Beasley elaborates on why Yoel is particularly challenging to interpret, offering insights into the various opinions about when and where he prophesied. We also examine Ovadiah's sharp condemnation of Edom, exploring the debates about the date, authorship, and audience of his prophecies. Finally, we delve into the life and message of the prophet Micah, discussing what sets him apart from other prophets and how his unique style enhances our understanding of his book. To close, Rabbi Beasley gives us a preview of his upcoming work on the prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the biblical prophets and their relevance today.

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• Bio: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley is the Tanakh Coordinator at Yeshivat Lev haTorah and completed a doctorate on the book of Micah at Bar Ilan University. He is the author of "Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: Lights in the Valley" and "Joel, Obadiah, and Micah: Facing the Storm" for the Maggid Studies in Tanakh series. Rav Yaakov has been teaching and writing about Tanakh for over twenty years. A popular lecturer around Jerusalem and Israel, including such yeshivot as Matan, Darchei Noam, Midreshet Rachel, and others, he co-edited Yeshivat Har Etzion's groundbreaking series "Torah MiEtzion" on the application of new literary methodologies to the study of parashat ha-shavua. Additionally, he authored several years of Har Etzion's Virtual Beit Midrash Introduction to the Parasha series, and his articles on Tanakh have appeared in Tradition and other publications.

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• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Obadiah-Micah-Facing-Storm/dp/1592645976

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• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Prepare for a timely, sensitive, and important conversation as Rav Abe Faur makes his much-anticipated return to the podcast. In the wake of the traumatic and transformative attacks on October 7th, Hakham Faur has become increasingly vocal on social media, especially regarding issues within the Haredi community. He shares why these events compelled him to speak out more openly and discusses how this moment has shifted his approach to leadership and advocacy. We dive into the contentious issue of military service, a major point of friction between the Haredi community and the state of Israel. Despite some Haredim volunteering after the attacks, the majority have not, and many leaders continue to oppose involvement with the IDF, even in times of war, while still benefiting from state resources. Hakham Faur responds to these leaders and the arguments they use, such as "Shevet Levi did not go out to war" and "our Torah study protects all," to justify their stance against national service. Hakham Faur explains why the argument for Haredi antizionism is now irrelevant, emphasizing that we are at the point where all Jews are fighting for their survival. He contextualizes the reasons behind the Haredi community's misguided stance on Israel, offers analysis on how the modern state can improve by learning from past mistakes, and discusses how the kollel movement has strayed from true Torah values and halakha. He stresses that while God may protect us from external harm, He does not shield us from our own folly. This episode promises to offer deep insights into the future of Israel, the role of hakhamim, and the pressing need for courageous leadership in times of crisis.

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• Bio: Rabbi Abe H. Faur is the rabbi of Congregation Ohel David & Shelomo, in Manhattan Beach, NY. Rabbi Faur was ordained by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and Rabbi Abraham Shapira. He teaches Talmudic and Rabbinic thinking in accordance with the Andalusian sages, and the teachings of his father, the Great Hakham José Faur a"h. His father was a Sepharadi rabbi, teacher and scholar in the Syrian-Jewish community in Brooklyn for many years. He was also a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Bar Ilan University, and was Professor of Law at Netanya Academic College. Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu once said "the greatest Sephardic Hakham living in the US today is Rabbi Faur" and his books and articles continue to have a tremendous impact in both religious and academic circles around the world. You can find his shiurim on his YouTube channel, Torat Andalus.

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• Yafe Be'ito, meaning "nice in its time" in Hebrew, is a foundation devoted to spreading the profound Torah teachings of Hakham Dr. José Faur: https://yafebeito.com/

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• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!