Episode 135: Rabbanit Yael Leibowitz "Ezra-Nehemiah and Covenantal Responsibility"

Episode 135: Rabbanit Yael Leibowitz "Ezra-Nehemiah and Covenantal Responsibility"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today December 8, 2025 Duration: 41:14

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbanit Yael Leibowitz to explore the bold ideas at the heart of her work on Ezra–Nehemiah. She explains why she frames the book through the striking theme of a 'Retrograde Revolution,' and how this lens reveals a story of renewal that moves forward specifically by returning to the foundations of Jewish identity. Rabbanit Leibowitz then walks us through her distinctive approach to studying Ezra–Nehemiah—not primarily as political history, but as a deeply literary and theological text—and how this perspective reflects her broader understanding of what Tanakh is and how it relates to history. We also address a surprising reality: despite being part of the biblical canon, Ezra–Nehemiah remains one of the least-studied books among regular Torah learners. Rabbanit Leibowitz explains why these chapters are essential for today’s Jewish reader and what timeless lessons they offer for community, belonging, and spiritual restoration. Finally, we discuss her powerful chapter, “What Is a Jew,” which examines the complexities of Jewish identity as they emerge in the book of Ezra and how those ancient questions continue to resonate in the modern world.


---


*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: Yael Lei­bowitz is an Israeli edu­ca­tor. She holds a Master’s degree in Juda­ic Stud­ies from Colum­bia Uni­ver­si­ty, taught at the Upper School of Ramaz, and is a for­mer fac­ul­ty mem­ber of Yeshi­va University’s Stern Col­lege for Women where she taught advanced Bible cours­es. She cur­rent­ly teach­es at Matan Women’s Insti­tute for Torah Learn­ing and Midreshet Lin­den­baum Col­lege for Women.


---


• Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ezra-Nehemiah-Retrograde-Revolution-Yael-Leibowitz/dp/1592647073


---


• 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…