Episode 43: Imam Abdullah Antepli "May the Sons of Abraham Unite"

Episode 43: Imam Abdullah Antepli "May the Sons of Abraham Unite"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today February 5, 2023 Duration: 57:00
In a thought-provoking discussion with Imam Abdullah Antepli, he talks about growing up in a secular family in Turkey and overcoming the Antisemitic indoctrination in his youth. He responds to the notion that Jew hatred is baked into Christianity and Islam and, therefore, unstoppable. We delve into the similarities between Judaism and Islam, our complicated history living together, contextualizing Zionism, the promising impact of the Abraham Accords, and pay tribute to his friend and our inspiration, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt'l. With a focus on hope and mutual respect, we discuss if there can be a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discuss the importance of building bridges between Jewish and Muslim communities. Additionally, he clarifies misconceptions about Islam and addresses whether it should be moderated, reformed, or neither. The fact is, religious fundamentalism is a problem that plagues all 3 Abrahamic faiths, which can only be solved by understanding each other and promoting more dialogue. We also talk about the power of Shabbat and the Imam's call for singing a "new song" of peace. Don't miss this enlightening conversation between 2 sons of Abraham, a Jew and a Muslim.

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 87: Professor Lenn E. Goodman "Depopulating the Heavens" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:11:11
In this captivating episode, we welcome back Dr. Lenn E. Goodman, who introduces his new translation of the Guide to the Perplexed, a task previously undertaken by Moshe Friedlander and notably by Shlomo Pines. Dr. Goodm…
Episode 86: J.J. Kimche "Assessing the Gush Tanakh Method" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:52
J.J Kimche joins us once again, this time to present an overview and two critiques of the Gush Tanakh method, which has taken the Torah learning world by storm in recent years. The method developed at Yeshivat Har Etzion…
Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs. Mysticism" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:58
In this monumental episode, we interview Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, popularly known as the "Zoo Rabbi," director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Slifkin is best known for his interests in…
Episode 79: J.J. Kimche & Daniel A. Klein "Letters on Kabbalah" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:46
Embark on a fascinating journey through the corridors of Jewish history as we unravel the enigmatic and controversial discussions surrounding the authenticity of the Zohar and the profound role of Kabbalah in Jewish thou…
Episode 78: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot "Mikra & Meaning" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:02
Our discussion begins with Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot eloquently tackling the nuances of curricula, pedagogical choices, methodologies, and values in the study of Tanakh. He sheds light on how some traditional elements with…