Episode 101: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley "Facing the Storm"

Episode 101: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley "Facing the Storm"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today September 19, 2024 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 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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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 139

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