Episode 68: Dr. Yoram Hazony "Torah Values in Today's World"

Episode 68: Dr. Yoram Hazony "Torah Values in Today's World"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today June 30, 2023 Duration: 35:36

In his book Conservatism: A Rediscovery, Dr. Yoram Hazony discusses how Anglo-American conservatism became a distinctive alternative to divine-right monarchy, Puritan theocracy, and the liberal revolution — and why this idea is as much or more important today than ever before. As an Orthodox Jew, he makes the case that conservatism is a clear Torah value, and over the course of our talk, he provides Biblical support for his thesis. We also discuss why political conservatism is irrelevant without teshuva. Lastly, the idea of "Nationalism" has negative connotations today — it's a loaded term. He dispels the notion that it's a fascist or racist ideology and highlights the major differences between the Nationalism of Ancient Israel and Hitler's Germany (lehavdil). So, in terms of nationhood affected by wokeness and multiculturalism, what is there left to conserve? Tune in to discover Dr. Hazony's fascinating perspective.


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: 100

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition
Podcast Episodes
Episode 138: Dr. Thane Rosenbaum "Beyond Proportionality" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:51
In this episode, we speak with Professor Thane Rosenbaum about his book Beyond Proportionality: Israel’s Just War in Gaza, a sharp critique of how international law, media narratives, and moral language are applied to Is…
Episode 132: Rabbi Shnayor Burton "Rambam on Mashiach & Redemption" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:56
In this episode we sit down with Rabbi Shnayor Burton to explore Rambam’s view of Mashiach and Redemption. On the surface, the final chapters of Mishneh Torah read like a simple account of the messianic age, but a closer…
Episode 131: Adam Scott Bellos "The Future of Jewish Advocacy" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:24
Why is Jewish leadership failing the very people it claims to serve? In this unfiltered conversation, Adam Scott Bellos—founder, builder, unapologetic strategist—sits down with Jewish Demystified to torch the polite myth…