Episode 22: Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz "Torah in a Modern Age"

Episode 22: Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz "Torah in a Modern Age"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today July 14, 2022 Duration: 1:00:43
Rabbi Breitowitz shares his insights on the ethics of separating the art from the artist (as in the most recent case with Chaim Walder), the miraculous existence and success of modern-day Israel (the Haredi argument against Zionism vs the argument for post-facto religious Zionism), the purpose of prayer since we can't change God's mind (and the superstitious elements that some Jews use to close the gap e.g. saying a "mystical" formulation for 40 days by the Kotel, etc.), the recent dogmatic "Daas Torah" rejection of metaphoric readings of certain parts in the Torah (e.g. Rambam, Sforno, Radaq, and Ralbag interpreted some or all of the Genesis narrative to be allegorical, Ibn Casspi said the entire book of Yonah was a vision, Rambam said any story mentioning angels is a vision, Chazal believing Iyyov wasn't a real person, etc.), and the hottest topic of late, the Torah view of abortion.

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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