In this episode, we engage with the profound insights of Rabbi Chaim Eisen on the complex topic of free will in the context of modern science and Jewish philosophy. Our discussion opens with a look at the consensus in contemporary science, as popularized by figures like Sam Harris and Robert Sapolsky, which suggests that our actions are largely determined by physiological and environmental factors. Rabbi Eisen's insights prompt us to consider whether there is a clear demarcation or a more subtle interplay between these moments of choice and predetermined paths. The conversation also covers the role of yeshiva education in addressing the theological, philosophical, and spiritual challenges of contemporary society. We briefly discuss Rabbi Eisen's views on the current state of yeshiva education and the crucial topics that students should be familiar with. Lastly, we explore the fascinating intersection of quantum mechanics and Jewish thought, particularly in relation to Maimonides' teachings on divine providence and the nature of God's interaction with the world. The indeterminacy and non-locality observed in quantum physics present an intriguing backdrop for discussing traditional views on God's providence and the laws of nature. Join us as we navigate these complex ideas with thoroughness and care. (Co-hosted by friend-of-the-podcast Dovidchai Abramchayev)
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• Bio: Rabbi Chaim Eisen is the founder and dean of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies, a Web-based educational venture to engage users worldwide in a deepening understanding of the Hebrew Bible and other religious classics, through live, recorded, and written content. An acclaimed speaker, he’s been stimulating audiences throughout Israel, North America, and Europe for over 40 years. For nearly all his career, he’s been involved in adult education, principally as a senior rabbinical lecturer at the Orthodox Union (OU) Jerusalem World Center, where he taught for more than 36 years. For over 20 years, he also taught Talmud and Midrash, Biblical commentary, and especially Jewish thought and philosophy at various yeshivot in Israel. In addition, he served as a Torah lecturer in the Israel Defense Forces Rabbinate Torah Lecture Corps (reserves), for over 16 years, and continued to volunteer there, after his retirement. Besides teaching, he was founding editor of the OU journal 'Jewish Thought: A Journal of Torah Scholarship' and has written and edited numerous essays in this field. He’s been teaching, editing, and publishing Judaica for more than four decades. In particular, he feels passionately that, to pave the way for God’s “great and awesome day” (Yoel 3:4 and Malachi 3:23), there’s a burning urgency now to enunciate the Torah’s message in the global marketplace of ideas, where, all too often, it’s so sincerely sought — and so sorely missing. Tragically, nowadays, few who value the Torah’s message appreciate the global marketplace of ideas — and vice versa. Most of all, he’s committed to harnessing a lifetime of Torah study and teaching, to address and redress this absence, by the Torah’s light. This is his mission — and the raison d’être of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies.
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• Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jewishphilosophymatters
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