Episode 47: Mori Michael-Shelomo Bar-Ron "Genesis, Evolution & Pre-Adamite Man"

Episode 47: Mori Michael-Shelomo Bar-Ron "Genesis, Evolution & Pre-Adamite Man"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today March 16, 2023 Duration: 1:34:56
Mori Michael-Shelomo Bar-Ron sheds light on how a rational approach to Torah not only harmonizes with the age of the universe and theory of evolution but also deepens our understanding of it. By examining the literary structure of the six days of creation, we can properly contextualize the process of creation and gain insights into the alignment of the Torah with modern cosmology, paleontology, and science. We also delve into the meaning behind unclear terms like "created", "made", and "formed", and the elusive question about creation Yesh M'Yesh (out of primordial matter) or Yesh M'Ayn (out of nothing). We discuss whether early humans were actually apes and how dogma factors into the way Beresheet is taught today. Additionally, we explore the evidence for the physical location of the Garden of Eden, and whether Adam was the first Homo Sapien or the first prophet. Mori Bar-Ron deciphers the meaning behind the Aggadot that Adam was created in stages, and that Adam was preceded by 974 generations. Rambam also makes an interesting statement pertaining to this. Through the use of brilliant, rational definitions sourced from ancient rabbinical sources, Mori Bar-Ron provides us with a clearer understanding of the pre-Flood generations' long lives in their original, native sense. Join us for a fascinating discussion that only scratches the surface of the subject matter we covered. (It's ideal to watch this episode in particular on our YouTube channel because of all the slideshow visuals he provided. Go to YouTube and type in Judaism.Demystified in the search bar - please like, subscribe, and share while you're at it.)

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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