Episode 110: Channah Cohen "Guardians of the Flame"

Episode 110: Channah Cohen "Guardians of the Flame"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today December 25, 2024 Duration: 47:49

In this episode, we sit down with Channah Cohen, author of Guardians of the Flame: A Historical Fiction About the Wars of the Maccabim, to explore the inspiration behind her novel set during the time of the Maccabees. Channah shares how her work connects to the idea of reviving "heroes" in Jewish culture and discusses her take on the "shiddukh crisis," addressing the absence of compelling male figures in Jewish literature. We dive into the creation of her protagonist, Gilad, and the impact she hopes his character will have on young male readers. As a self-proclaimed "purist," Channah reveals the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with crafting an engaging narrative and shares how her research reshaped her understanding of Hanukkah. Drawing on Rav Hirsch’s description of the Hanukkah story as embodying the "unflagging Jewish spirit," Channah explains how this theme is woven into her narrative and its relevance to modern readers. Finally, she reflects on the message she hopes readers take away from Guardians of the Flame and teases the possibility of sequels or future projects. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on Jewish history, literature, and the timeless search for inspiration in our heritage. Don’t miss it!

---

• Bio: Channah Cohen is a Senior Educator for Yavneh YP, the young professional leadership division of the OU's Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC). Previous to this, she worked for the Center for Communal Research as the applied researcher on their large-scale mixed-methods research study on the "Shidduch Crisis". She is the author of the new book "Guardians of the Flame", a historical novel about the epic real-life heroes behind the Chanukah story. Channah has a master's in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and children.---• Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Flame-historical-fiction-Maccabim/dp/1962522172---• 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
Podcast Episodes
Episode 76: Rabbi Nathan Laufer "Rosh Hashana Revealed" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:47
Prepare to embark on a thought-provoking exploration of Rosh Hashanah like never before, as we engage in a captivating conversation with Rabbi Nathan Laufer, author of the eye-opening book "Rendezvous with God." In this…
Episode 75: Elisheva Liss, LMFT "Healthy Intimate Relationships" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:07
Elisheva Liss, LMFT, an esteemed thought leader on cultivating healthy relationships in the frum world, unveils the complexities of premarital education, intimacy, mental health, and religious taboos across various commu…
Episode 74: Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens "A Guide to the Jewish Undecided" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:52
Rabbi Dr. Sam Lebens joins us to discuss his book, "A Guide for the Jewish Undecided: A Philosopher Makes the Case for Orthodox Judaism." He explains his motivations behind writing the book and the philosophical argument…
Episode 73: David Curwin "A Map to Eden" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:13
David Curwin, author of "Kohelet: A Map to Eden," shares his reasons for choosing to write a book on Kohelet and explains how Rabbi David Fohrman of Aleph Beta influenced this project. In his book, Curwin uncovers variou…
Episode 72: Dr. Erica Brown "Kohelet and the Search for Meaning" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:51
In this captivating interview, we embark on a profound exploration of the enigmatic book of Kohelet with esteemed scholar Dr. Erica Brown. With her unique methodology and deep connection to the late, great Rabbi Jonathan…
Episode 70: Rabbi Jeremy Wieder "The Modern Orthodox Economic Crisis" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:53
The Modern Orthodox community is currently facing financial and moral challenges posed by materialism. Rabbi Jeremy Wieder explains the impact of lavish practices, the clash between individualism and communal responsibil…
Episode 69: Scott Hertzl Cohanpour "A.I. and Religion" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Join us for an enlightening interview with the renowned Information Technology expert Scott Hertzl Cohanpour as we explore the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into how A…
Episode 68: Dr. Yoram Hazony "Torah Values in Today's World" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
In his book Conservatism: A Rediscovery, Dr. Yoram Hazony discusses how Anglo-American conservatism became a distinctive alternative to divine-right monarchy, Puritan theocracy, and the liberal revolution — and why this…