Episode 134: Alan Niku "The Forgotten History of Persian-Jewish Hakhamim"

Episode 134: Alan Niku "The Forgotten History of Persian-Jewish Hakhamim"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today November 20, 2025 Duration: 48:51

In this episode of Judaism Demystified, Alan Niku—better known as The Dreamy Kalimi—shares what first pulled him into preserving and spotlighting Persian Jewish history through his Instagram and YouTube work. He gives a clear snapshot of what makes Iranian Jewry so distinct within the broader Jewish world. Alan highlights a core theme in his research: Persian Jewish heritage was never one-dimensional. It included rationalists, mystics, poets, philosophers, halakhists, and community leaders whose voices shaped their communities but were later forgotten or overlooked. He explains why that diversity faded from memory and what is lost when those voices disappear. The conversation then turns to two figures who capture this intellectual range—Rabbi Yehuda ben Elazar (the Riba) and Mollah Siman-Tov Melamed. Alan discusses why these hakhamim resonate with him and what their teachings reveal about the depth of Persian-Jewish thought. Before we wrap up, he gives us a look at the projects he’s working on to revive, translate, and reintroduce these texts and ideas to a new generation. You don't want to miss this riveting discussion.


---


*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh


---


• Bio: Alan Niku is a filmmaker, writer, and scholar of Mizrahi culture from San Luis Obispo, California, based in Los Angeles. A native speaker of Persian, he spends his time learning related Jewish languages, deciphering Judeo-Persian manuscripts, and interviewing community members about their stories. He is also a musician and an amateur chef, teaches history and Jewish heritage at various levels, and seeks to educate the world about the underrepresented cultures of the Middle East through his writing and films. He is widely known online as “The Dreamy Kalimi,” where he shares and celebrates the richness of Persian Jewish heritage on his highly entertaining and informative Instagram and YouTube channels.


---


• Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Dreamy-Kalimi⁩ and his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dreamy_kalimi/


---


• 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, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., 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 6: Sina Kahen "Tradition and Ideas" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:21
Sina takes us on a journey through history and breaks down the very significant revival of the Andalusian tradition. Discover the difference between classical Jewish mysticism and the Zoharic Kabbalah that emerged in the…
Episode 5: Dr. Gerald Schroeder "The Science of God" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:18
Dr. Schroeder makes the case for God in scientific terms, tackling issues such as the age of the universe, evolution, the multiverse theory, fine tuning, DNA, famous atheists, and extraterrestrial life.
Episode 4: Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie "A Light Unto the Nations" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:40
Rabbi Abadie dives into the history and traditions of Old Sepharad (The Golden Age of Spain) and discusses his groundbreaking role in strengthening Jewish-Muslim relations in the Middle East.
Episode 3: Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman "A Critique of Biblical Criticism" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:19
Professor Berman showcases his vast knowledge of the Torah and other extra-biblical ancient texts, providing evidence that highlights the major flaws in modern biblical source criticism. (It's ideal to watch this episode…
Episode 2: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "A Religion of Reason" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:35
Professor Seeskin displays his vast expertise in the subject of Maimonidean Rationalism. He educates us on important topics such as negative theology, creation, prophecy, commandments, idolatry, love of God, and human su…
Episode 1: Rabbi Joshua Maroof "Challenging the Status Quo" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:45
Rabbi Maroof delves into hot topics in Orthodox Judaism, such as: Is God the Cause of Evil? How to Improve Torah Education for Children (and How it Relates to Magical Thinking)? Why are the Most Brilliant Jews Non-Observ…
Introducing Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for Todays Perplexed Jews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:02
How does a curious, truth-seeking, intellectually honest person face the challenges brought upon by modern biblical criticism, the fossil record, archaeological findings, evolutionary theory, scientific discoveries, hist…