
What Does Judaism Say About...?
246 episodes — Page 1 of 5
How to Build Jerusalem - Today and in the Future
(123) How to Build Jerusalem - Today and in the Future
Lag B'Omer – Why So Special and Different?
(122) Lag B'Omer – Why So Special and Different?
The Most Important Day of the Jewish Year
(121) The Most Important Day of the Jewish Year
Individuality and Conformity
(120) Individuality and Conformity
Underlying Values and Concepts of Passover
trailerThis holiday, the birthday of the Jewish people, is celebrated mainly in a family setting, at a once a year gathering, where Jewish families try to recreate the Exodus, not merely remember it. The Haggadah book of this night contains many deeper Jewish concepts that have kept the Jewish people Jewish. This podcast will point out many of these ideas and the uniqueness of this holiday.
S1 Ep 119(119) Underlying Values and Concepts of Passover
This holiday, the birthday of the Jewish people, is celebrated mainly in a family setting, at a once a year gathering, where Jewish families try to recreate the Exodus, not merely remember it. The Haggadah book of this night contains many deeper Jewish concepts that have kept the Jewish people Jewish. This podcast will point out many of these ideas and the uniqueness of this holiday.
Shabbat – Even Deeper Ideas- This week is Shabbat Hagadol
trailerBased on seven simple questions how and why Shabbat is different from every other Mitzvah-commandment in Judaism, this podcast will show how Shabbat changed throughout history and, although other religions have a "day of rest", Shabbat is uniquely Jewish and the mystical engine that keeps the world going.
(118) Shabbat – Even Deeper Ideas- This week is Shabbat Hagadol
Based on seven simple questions how and why Shabbat is different from every other Mitzvah-commandment in Judaism, this podcast will show how Shabbat changed throughout history and, although other religions have a "day of rest", Shabbat is uniquely Jewish and the mystical engine that keeps the world going.
Underlying Values and Concepts of Shabbat
trailerShabbat is a unique and difficult concept – a day that is uniquely Jewish, and has helped the Jewish people remain alive as a people since the Torah was given. How and why is this so? The Torah gives two reasons why the Shabbat was given. This podcast will examine the macro and micro of these reasons and Shabbat and why it makes more sense to keep Shabbat in the 21st century than in the 13th century.
S1 Ep 117(117) Underlying Values and Concepts of Shabbat
Shabbat is a unique and difficult concept – a day that is uniquely Jewish, and has helped the Jewish people remain alive as a people since the Torah was given. How and why is this so? The Torah gives two reasons why the Shabbat was given. This podcast will examine the macro and micro of these reasons and Shabbat and why it makes more sense to keep Shabbat in the 21st century than in the 13th century.
Friendship
trailerMany people have thousands of virtual "friends" but few or no "live" friends whom they hang out with in the real word. What is the definition of a true friend? What is the difference between a friend, an acquaintance and a companion? These questions will be analyzed in this podcast from a Jewish perspective, with traditional sources that are both nuanced and show an unexpected perspective to this important relationship.
S1 Ep 116(116) Friendship
Many people have thousands of virtual "friends" but few or no "live" friends whom they hang out with in the real word. What is the definition of a true friend? What is the difference between a friend, an acquaintance and a companion? These questions will be analyzed in this podcast from a Jewish perspective, with traditional sources that are both nuanced and show an unexpected perspective to this important relationship.
Human Dignity
trailerWhile it is nice and ever proper to show everyone, even strangers, some basic respect, the basis of that respect differs greatly between Jews and others especially those who do not believe in a God. Judaism, careful to go to great lengths not to disrespect a person, and legislate against disrespecting anyone, even a sinner. For the same reason, it is forbidden in Judaism for that reason for people to disrespect or harm themselves, from a Jewish perspective. Listen to the podcast to find out why and how.
S1 Ep 115(115) Human Dignity
While it is nice and ever proper to show everyone, even strangers, some basic respect, the basis of that respect differs greatly between Jews and others especially those who do not believe in a God. Judaism, careful to go to great lengths not to disrespect a person, and legislate against disrespecting anyone, even a sinner. For the same reason, it is forbidden in Judaism for that reason for people to disrespect or harm themselves, from a Jewish perspective. Listen to the podcast to find out why and how.
Deeper Concept in Understanding Purim
trailerThis podcast will show the unusual aspects of Purim, and how it is different from every other Jewish holiday. It will shed light on the Purim Megillah story and ideas using the little analyzed poem following the Megillah. It will show an historical connection between the events of Purim and Passover. The podcast will also demonstrate why Purim, of all Jewish holiday, will still be celebrated in the time of Messiah.
S1 Ep 114(114) Deeper Concept in Understanding Purim
This podcast will show the unusual aspects of Purim, and how it is different from every other Jewish holiday. It will shed light on the Purim Megillah story and ideas using the little analyzed poem following the Megillah. It will show an historical connection between the events of Purim and Passover. The podcast will also demonstrate why Purim, of all Jewish holiday, will still be celebrated in the time of Messiah.
Christianity and Judaism
trailerIn the last 60 years proselytizing movements such as "Jews for Jesus" have tried to show that a Jew can remain Jewish but can still be a good Christian. Although Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism, this podcast will show ten fundamental differences between the two religions and how the gap between the two cannot be bridged
S1 Ep 113(113) Christianity and Judaism
In the last 60 years proselytizing movements such as "Jews for Jesus" have tried to show that a Jew can remain Jewish but can still be a good Christian. Although Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism, this podcast will show ten fundamental differences between the two religions and how the gap between the two cannot be bridged
Choices and Freedom
trailerAlthough most people wish to be totally free in the way they live their lives, everyone agrees that total freedom (including the ability to harm others) must be restricted. This podcast will discuss which freedoms and which restrictions and proper, the unique Jewish definition of freedom, why more restrictions can often make a person feel freer, and where in traditional Judaism a Jew is totally free and where is he or she restricted.
S1 Ep 112(112) Choices and Freedom
Although most people wish to be totally free in the way they live their lives, everyone agrees that total freedom (including the ability to harm others) must be restricted. This podcast will discuss which freedoms and which restrictions and proper, the unique Jewish definition of freedom, why more restrictions can often make a person feel freer, and where in traditional Judaism a Jew is totally free and where is he or she restricted.
S1 Ep 111(111) Hypocrisy in Judaism
Even though most people loathe hypocrites who act in one manner while believing something completely different, hypocrisy is rampant in western society. Why is that true? This podcast will analyze this concept from a Jewish perspective and why this behavior is so detestable in Judaism.
Hypocrisy in Judaism
Even though most people loathe hypocrites who act in one manner while believing something completely different, hypocrisy is rampant in western society. Why is that true? This podcast will analyze this concept from a Jewish perspective and why this behavior is so detestable in Judaism.
The Jewish View of Pain
trailerPain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.
S1 Ep 110(110) The Jewish View of Pain
Pain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.
Judging Everything Favorably in Judaism – Good Idea or Requirement?
trailerIt is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this idea and resolve these and other questions, based on traditional sources.
S1 Ep 109(109) Judging Everything Favorably in Judaism – Good Idea or Requirement?
It is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this idea and resolve these and other questions, based on traditional sources.
(108) The Ethics of Torture in Judaism
Although abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.
The Ethics of Torture in Judaism
trailerAlthough abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.
Downloading Songs and Videos from the Internet – What Does Judaism Say About it?
trailerMany or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discussed from a Jewish perspective based on ancient sources as well as contemporary Rabbis.
S1 Ep 107(107) Downloading Songs and Videos from the Internet – What Does Judaism Say About it?
Many or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discussed from a Jewish perspective based on ancient sources as well as contemporary Rabbis.
Should We Give Honor To a Leader Who Sinned?
trailerAlmost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how traditional Jewish sources have much to teach us about this sensitive and current issue.
S1 Ep 106(106) Should We Give Honor To a Leader Who Sinned?
Almost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how traditional Jewish sources have much to teach us about this sensitive and current issue.
S1 Ep 105(105) Reincarnation in Judaism
This podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.
Reincarnation in Judaism
trailerThis podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.
Revenge in Judaism: Is It Ever Justified?
trailerThis podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.
S1 Ep 104(104) Revenge in Judaism: Is It Ever Justified?
This podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.
S1 Ep 103(103) Underlying Values and Concepts of Chanukah
This podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.
Underlying Values and Concepts of Chanukah
trailerThis podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.
The Torah Reaction to the Madoff and other Financial Scandals
trailerThis podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.
S1 Ep 102(102) The Torah Reaction to the Madoff and other Financial Scandals
This podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.
The Jewish View of Child Abuse
trailerChild sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources.
S1 Ep 101(101) The Jewish View of Child Abuse
Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources.
The Normative Jewish View of The Golem
trailerIn Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings.
S1 Ep 100(100) The Normative Jewish View of The Golem
In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings.
Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance
trailerThe Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and why only recited in a community setting.
S1 Ep 99(99) Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance
The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and why only recited in a community setting.