Voices from Exile: Delving into Jewish Theology, History, and Folklore

Voices from Exile: Delving into Jewish Theology, History, and Folklore

Author: Rabbi Dr. Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez Language: English Episodes: 36
In Voices from Exile: Delving into Jewish Theology, History, and Folklore, Rabbi Dr. Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez guides listeners through the rich and often unexpected layers of Jewish life and thought. This podcast moves beyond simplified narratives to engage with the genuine diversity found across centuries of Jewish experience. Each episode is a deep dive, whether examining a nuanced theological concept, unpacking a pivotal historical moment, or unraveling a piece of folklore that has shaped communities. The conversation is grounded in scholarship yet delivered with a relatable, heartfelt tone, making complex ideas accessible. You’ll hear discussions that connect ancient texts to contemporary questions, explore the distinct traditions of different Jewish communities, and appreciate how theology, history, and story are interwoven. It’s an invitation to listen and learn from a voice that understands these traditions from the inside, offering perspective on the beauty and complexity that defines Judaism and its people. This isn’t a survey course but a series of focused explorations, perfect for anyone curious to move past the surface. Tune in to this podcast for a thoughtful journey that challenges assumptions and broadens understanding, naturally finding connections between the past and present.
Episodes
The Power of Evil Words [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
Rabbi Sherwin once related that during the medieval period, “…the Jew was viewed by the Christians as demonic, anti-Christ, criminal, blasphemous, heretical and either blind or stubbornly recalcitrant to Christian truth.…
A Brief Review of Kol Nidrei [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:04
I think it's safe to say that in most people's mind, fasting, long services, and certainly Kol Nidrei are generally connected with what people think about Yom Kippur. But the actual history of the Kol Nidre is often a my…
The Rambam and the Maharal on Jewish Identity: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:56
The views of the Rambam and the Maharal were far apart on many issues. In this episode we continue the discussion regarding their perspectives on Jewish identity. They demonstrate the variety of entrees at the theologica…
The Rambam and the Maharal on Jewish Identity: Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:59
Anyone even remotely familiar with the Talmud will note the routine exchange or dialogue that takes place between rabbis. The rabbis are often from different periods, but the conversations add to the understanding and el…
How Chickens Separate Jews and Christians [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:34
The famous story of the Greek Philosopher Socrates might not seem to mean much in the world of Jewish and Christian interfaith dialogue, but should it? Jews and Christians share much in common and differ sharply in other…
The Great Sea Monsters and the Gods of Mesopotamia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
The first chapter of the book of Genesis recalls the story of creation. But it provides far more than merely an Israelite cosmology. It offers an understanding of Near Eastern cosmologies or the remnants of the former st…
A Paranormal Experience? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:59
Several months ago, I was traveling to Canada on business for my engineering job. I had finished my meeting and was at the airport ready to return to the US. As I was sitting down eating a snack, I heard my wife’s voice…
The Mysticism of Abraham Abulafia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:22
he mystical experiences of Abraham Abulafia of the 13th century are categorized under the label of prophetic or ecstatic Kabbalah. In prophetic Kabbalah, the goal of the mystic is to attain a spiritual experience on par…
Determinism and Freedom in Judaism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
The principal story of Parashat Toldot centers on the birth of Isaac’s two sons, Jacob and Esau. Their birth serves to convey G-d’s fidelity to the promises he made to Abraham to provide him future descendants to inherit…
Holy Men, Sages, Mystics, Exorcists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:29
The rabbis of late antiquity performed various roles in Jewish religious and civic life. The rabbis of Babylonia, like their counterparts in the land of Israel, were seen as or functioned as holy men , sages, mystics , e…