Episode 63: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss "Can God Do the Impossible?"

Episode 63: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss "Can God Do the Impossible?"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today May 29, 2023 Duration: 1:58:05

In this fascinating interview, Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss tackles timeless questions that have ignited debates for centuries: "Can God create a rock He can't lift?" "Can God do anything and everything?" and "Can God do the impossible?" Approaching the question first from the standpoint of logic, and then through the interpretations of prominent medieval commentators (Rambam, Meiri, Saadia Gaon, R' Yosef Albo, and Ramban), Rabbi Schneeweiss explores the implications of these queries for our belief in Hashem. He skillfully navigates the delicate balance between acknowledging God's unlimited power and recognizing the constraints of human logic. The discussion illuminates the complexities of divine power and its implications for our beliefs, showcasing the depth and richness of the theological discourse of our sages of blessed memory.


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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