In this enlightening episode of "Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman engages in an insightful conversation with his former teacher, Professor Daniel Rynhold, dean and professor of Jewish philosophy at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University. Their discussion centers on the intersection of practice and theory in Judaism and the unique insights that arise from this interface.

Diving into Rynhold's critically acclaimed book, "Two Models of Jewish Philosophy: Justifying One's Practices," the duo explore two primary rationales for practicing Judaism: the priority of practice and the priority of theory. They delve into the intricacies of this dynamic, questioning the conventional approach of prioritizing theory to justify practice, with Rynhold proposing the revolutionary idea that practice itself might impart a unique, irreducible form of knowledge that cannot be communicated solely through theory.

The conversation further broadens to examine the nuanced relationship between faith, practice, and theoretical understanding in the modern, disenchanted world. The concept of "reasoned confidence" is introduced, highlighting the importance of rationality in fostering conviction, while discussing the shifting attitudes towards religion in philosophy, from skepticism to an open-minded perspective.

A fascinating portion of the dialogue revolves around the influence of the internet on philosophy and the rationality of religious belief, emphasizing the changing dynamics of knowledge exploration and acquisition in the digital era.

The episode reaches its zenith as it delves into one of the most profound philosophical conundrums – comprehending God, especially from a religious perspective. Drawing from Joseph B. Soloveitchik's teachings, they explore the aesthetic approach to understanding God as illustrated in the Hebrew Bible, with Rynhold suggesting that the Torah can be interpreted much like literature to reveal profound truths beyond factual accuracy. The discussion concludes with a controversial exploration of characters who operate on unique moral planes and how this might extend to an understanding of God.

This thought-provoking episode sheds light on the deep-rooted complexities of Jewish philosophy, pushing the boundaries of conventional thought and offering a new perspective on the relationship between faith, practice, and understanding. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the interplay of philosophy, religion, and modern society.

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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.