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Reform or Die: Learning from Ancient Laws on Adultery and Rebellion
In the 50th episode of the "Jewish Wisdom for Business and Life" podcast, host Levi Brackman examines the process of reforming and understanding controversial aspects of tradition in a modern context. The primary example is the concept of the Sotah, or wayward wife, from the Talmud. This practice involved a wife suspected of infidelity being made to drink bitter waters, which would lead to her death if she had been unfaithful. Brackman highlights the inherent issues with this process, such as the unequal treatment of men and women, but also notes that the Talmud itself declares the practice obsolete.
Brackman then explores the broader topic of how societies and traditions handle outdated and problematic practices. He discusses the importance of examining, debating, and understanding these practices, even if they are no longer relevant. He emphasizes that these discussions are inherently valuable, reflecting a deep-rooted Jewish tradition of debate and study. The debates themselves serve a crucial role in shaping morality, fostering intellectual growth, and maintaining the richness of tradition.
He further articulates that it's essential to draw a line under certain practices without entirely discarding or negatively judging the tradition or the people who once practiced them. This perspective is demonstrated through his discussion of slavery both in the United States and within Jewish history.
Finally, Brackman draws parallels to the business world. He stresses the importance of organizations evolving and adapting to changing times while maintaining respect for their foundational principles and history. Failing to reform, he warns, can lead to obsolescence, as seen in examples like Kodak and Blockbuster. Thus, the wisdom extracted from Jewish traditions about reformation and debate holds significant relevance in contemporary life, business, and society.
Support the show
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.
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By Levi BrackmanIn the 50th episode of the "Jewish Wisdom for Business and Life" podcast, host Levi Brackman examines the process of reforming and understanding controversial aspects of tradition in a modern context. The primary example is the concept of the Sotah, or wayward wife, from the Talmud. This practice involved a wife suspected of infidelity being made to drink bitter waters, which would lead to her death if she had been unfaithful. Brackman highlights the inherent issues with this process, such as the unequal treatment of men and women, but also notes that the Talmud itself declares the practice obsolete.
Brackman then explores the broader topic of how societies and traditions handle outdated and problematic practices. He discusses the importance of examining, debating, and understanding these practices, even if they are no longer relevant. He emphasizes that these discussions are inherently valuable, reflecting a deep-rooted Jewish tradition of debate and study. The debates themselves serve a crucial role in shaping morality, fostering intellectual growth, and maintaining the richness of tradition.
He further articulates that it's essential to draw a line under certain practices without entirely discarding or negatively judging the tradition or the people who once practiced them. This perspective is demonstrated through his discussion of slavery both in the United States and within Jewish history.
Finally, Brackman draws parallels to the business world. He stresses the importance of organizations evolving and adapting to changing times while maintaining respect for their foundational principles and history. Failing to reform, he warns, can lead to obsolescence, as seen in examples like Kodak and Blockbuster. Thus, the wisdom extracted from Jewish traditions about reformation and debate holds significant relevance in contemporary life, business, and society.
Support the show
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.