Episode 54: Imu Shalev "Torah Meets Technology"

Episode 54: Imu Shalev "Torah Meets Technology"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today April 23, 2023 Duration: 1:11:19

Join us as we sit down with Imu Shalev, the CEO and COO of Aleph Beta, one of the most innovative Torah learning tools on the internet. Imu shares his journey of how he went from being the Director of the Maccabeats and Producer for Mayim Bialik's successful YouTube channel to his current position. Imu also talks about how Rabbi David Fohrman's tireless work ethic and innovative approach to learning TaNaKh changed his own approach to Torah study. He highlights specific lessons that stand out to him, and how they've impacted his personal growth and development. We share our opinions on what is lacking in Yeshiva educations and discuss what can be done to improve it. As a coach, Imu helps individuals navigate various challenges in their personal and professional lives, such as business relationships, marriage struggles, stress and anxiety, productivity, and management. He shares how he uses the Enneagram to determine what motivates and drives us as individuals, and how it can help us better understand and collaborate with others. It was amazing to get to know one of the other voices behind AlpehBeta.org, which our listeners know by now is our go-to Torah content for the entire family. Imu's down-to-earth, thoughtful, and innovative approach is truly astonishing, and we feel that he's only scratching the surface of what's to come.  


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…