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

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

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today Language: English Episodes: 50
In a world of soundbites, JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition offers a different space: long, thoughtful conversations that delve into the questions and concepts often passed over. Lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni host this series, bringing together voices from across disciplines-religious thinkers, scientists, historians-to examine Jewish wisdom through a specific lens. Their approach is rooted in the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition, a classical stream of Jewish thought that champions reason alongside deep faith, and they thoughtfully engage with the modern intellectual legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. This isn't about simple answers, but about rediscovering the robust, foundational frameworks of Torah that can speak to contemporary complexity. Each episode aims to build a bridge between ancient text and modern perplexity, reigniting a genuine passion for tradition by taking it seriously as a living, intellectual pursuit. The resulting discussions in this podcast are nuanced, patient, and designed for anyone who feels that standard explanations have left gaps in their understanding. You'll hear explorations where tradition meets rigorous inquiry, where historical context illuminates enduring principles, and where the goal is a more coherent, personally owned Jewish life. It’s a guide for the curious, the skeptical, and the devoted, all seeking a deeper anchor in timeless wisdom.
Episodes
Episode 101: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley "Facing the Storm" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12:04
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 bac…
Episode 100: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "The Jewish People at a Crossroads" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:47
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…
Episode 99: Rabbi Avi Grossman "Halakha Demystified" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:20
In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Avi Grossman to explore the complexities of Halakha and its relevance to contemporary Jewish life. Rabbi Grossman begins by discussing why "Demystifying Halakha" is crucial for und…
Episode 97: Rabbi Moshe Taragin "Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Moshe Taragin to explore his deeply thought-provoking book, "Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below." We begin by delving into the motivations behind his writing and how recent tragedies have in…
Episode 96: Ami Kozak, Comedian "Jewish Humor in Chaotic Times" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:33
In this episode, we sit down with comedian and musician Ami Kozak, host of the Ami's House podcast and member of the band Distant Cousins, to delve into the nuances of his career and unique perspective as an orthodox Jew…
Episode 95: Rabbi Shmuel Phillips "Talmud Reclaimed" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:40
Rabbi Shmuel Phillips joins the podcast again to take us on a journey through his thought-provoking book, "Talmud Reclaimed." Join us as we explore the current state of Halakha and the subconscious reverence for the Hala…
Episode 94: Dr. Roslyn Weiss "Light of the Lord" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:09
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Roslyn Weiss to explore her translation of Hasdai Crescas's Light of the Lord. We delve into the initial inspiration behind her translation project and the challenges she faced in ca…
Episode 93: Rabbi Chaim Eisen "Jewish Philosophy Matters" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:46
In this episode, we engage with the profound insights of Rabbi Chaim Eisen on the complex topic of free will in the context of modern science and Jewish philosophy. Our discussion opens with a look at the consensus in co…