Episode 107: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "Alphabetic Judaism"

Episode 107: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "Alphabetic Judaism"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today November 24, 2024 Duration: 1:17:59

In his third appearance on the show, Rabbi Abe H. Faur joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving dynamics of leadership and tradition within the Jewish community. We begin by examining the concepts of "Gedolim" and "Daas Torah," cornerstones of Haredi influence. Rabbi Faur shares his perspective on whether these ideas align with Torah values and how they shape the Haredi community's approach to authority and decision-making. Next, we turn to the groundbreaking work of his father, Hakham Yosef Faur a'h, and his seminal book Horizontal Society. Rabbi Faur explains the essence of the Horizontal Society concept, its roots in our mesorah, and how it contrasts with the hierarchical, dynastic structures that dominate today. He also unpacks the idea of "Alphabetic Judaism," offering a powerful vision for the Jewish nation rooted in Sepharadi tradition and standing in stark contrast to Greek philosophical and societal frameworks. Finally, we address the challenges faced by his father, Hakham Faur, in his mission to revive and preserve the traditions of Old Sepharad, particularly in the face of opposition from the "black hat" community. Rabbi Faur reflects on his father’s legacy, his unwavering commitment to authenticity, and the personal struggles he endured. In closing, Rabbi Faur shares his thoughts on the future of Judaism and whether he remains hopeful in light of these challenges. This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to a towering legacy and a powerful call for introspection as a nation.---• Bio: Rabbi Abe H. Faur is the rabbi of Congregation Ohel David & Shelomo, in Manhattan Beach, NY. Rabbi Faur was ordained by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and Rabbi Abraham Shapira. He teaches Talmudic and Rabbinic thinking in accordance with the Andalusian sages, and the teachings of his father, the Great Hakham José Faur a"h. His father was a Sepharadi rabbi, teacher and scholar in the Syrian-Jewish community in Brooklyn for many years. He was also a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Bar Ilan University, and was Professor of Law at Netanya Academic College. Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu once said "the greatest Sephardic Hakham living in the US today is Rabbi Faur" and his books and articles continue to have a tremendous impact in both religious and academic circles around the world. You can find his shiurim on his YouTube channel, @toratandalus4535 . ---• Yafe Be'ito, meaning "nice in its time" in Hebrew, is a foundation devoted to spreading the profound Torah teachings of Hakham Dr. José Faur: https://yafebeito.com/---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!


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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