Collected Talks of David Solomon: Recent Episodes
David Solomon
A Jewish podcast experience like no other. David Solomon’s “enlightening and engaging” talks on the Hebrew Bible, Jewish History, Kabbalah, and Jewish Philosophy and Thought will leave you immersed in information and inspired to learn more. Collected Talks of David Solomon is a podcast of lectures by internationally renowned educator, writer, translator, and scholar David Solomon. With the skill of a seasoned story-teller, David delivers dynamic and entertaining lectures filled with volumes of fascinating, well-researched content. These lectures, recorded before live audiences around the world, are delivered with clarity and insight, poignancy and humour by a world-class Jewish educator who is not to be missed. Download and subscribe now or learn more at davidsolomon.online
In this Jewish History lecture given for the fast of Tisha B’Av, David examines Jewish discussions on the death of Titus, the Roman general who presided over the siege in Jerusalem which led to destruction of the Second Temple. Unsurprisingly, many Jewish commentators throughout history have painted Titus, who followed his father into the role …
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In this talk, David examines the question: Which books of Kabbalah should a person have when building a Jewish library? He also speaks for the first time publicly about completing the first-ever full English translation of the cornerstone kabbalistic text, Tiqqunei HaZohar. David begins his presentation with a broad overview of the foundational texts required …
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This talk, a siyum on the Talmudic Tractate of Sotah, was a (pre) Tikkun Leil presentation David delivered online on the eve of Shavuot in 2020 due to COVID restrictions preventing traditional in-person learning on the first night of the festival. The talk includes an exploration of the: historical background to the development of the …
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The post #116 Torah & Text in an Age of Turmoil first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #106 The Messianic Idea in Jewish History (1) 2. #100 The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva (3) 3. #96 Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud (3)
This final part of David’s Jewish History overview series explores the biblical period, from Avraham to the Jewish return to Zion after the Babylonian exile. The talk covers: the patriarchs and matriarchs the Egyptian exile and the going out of Egypt the settling of the land and the period of the judges the period of …
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Related posts:1. #92 The Twelve Minor Prophets (3) 2. #89 The Historical Story of Tanach 3. #71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour
This lecture explores the past 500 years of Jewish History, from approximately 1500 to today. In this talk, David examines each century in detail, looking at: Sixteenth Century – Johannes Reuchlin The printing of the Talmud Shlomo Molcho and David HaReuveni Yosef Karo Moshe Isserles Azariah de Rossi Donna Gracia Suleiman the Magnificent and the land …
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The fourth lecture in David’s overview series of Jewish history examines the years 1000 to 1500, known as the period of the Rishonim. The talk explores the complex and sometimes contradictory experiences of different Jewish populations over these centuries, their lives and safety often dependent on their location, rulers, and the whim of history. In …
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The post #113 Jewish History in Six Chapters (4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #112 Jewish History in Six Chapters (3) 2. #108 The Messianic Idea in Jewish History (3) 3. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300)
This third instalment of David’s overview series of Jewish History explores the years between 500 and 1000 CE, known as the period of the Geonim. In this talk, David discusses: · The geonim, including who they were and the significance of their spiritual authority · The political leadership of the Reish Galuta · The great …
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The post #112 Jewish History in Six Chapters (3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #111 Jewish History in Six Chapters (2) 2. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) 3. #31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1)
This Jewish History lecture is the second talk from David Solomon’s six-part overview series. The lecture examines the first five hundred years of the common era (0 to the year 500 or 3760 to 4260 in the traditional Hebraic calendar), known in Jewish History as The Talmudic Period. This period covers the destruction of the Temple …
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The post #111 Jewish History in Six Chapters (2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #110 Jewish History in Six Chapters (1) 2. #73 Women in Jewish History: the Second Temple Period 3. #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3)
This Jewish History lecture examines the Second Temple Period (Bayit Sheini), which spans from approximately the year -500 (or 500 BCE) to the theoretical year 0 (3260 to 3760 in the traditional Hebraic calendar). The period is divisible into four distinct phases, named after whichever political power was in control of the Jewish People in the Land …
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New episodes will resume in February 2022. In the final part of this series, David explores messiahs of the modern period of Jewish history and the dangers of mystical attempts to bring about redemption. Among the figures David discusses are: Yosef Della Reina Rabbi Avraham ben Eliezer ha-Levi Shlomo Molcho and David haReuveni Asher Lemlein …
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Messiahs of the post-Talmudic period to the Renaissance are the subjects of the third lecture in David’s series “The Messianic Idea in Jewish History.” David discusses: The emergence of ‘the Midrashic Messiah’ The concept of the false messiah The disappointment of Bar Kokhba The influence of Islam on the messianic idea Spiritual messianism The impact …
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Fervent messianism in the land of Israel in the first century CE is the focus of this lecture, the second in David’s series “The Messianic Idea in Jewish History.” In the latter years of the second temple in Jerusalem, the atmosphere was rich with apocalyptic eschatology. As a result, several people emerged contending to be …
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In this new four-part lecture series, David discusses how the concept of the messiah emerges in Jewish History, beginning with the biblical period. This first lecture examines the appearance of the messianic idea in Tanach, charting its metamorphosis towards a universal application. David explores the development of the Jewish messianic picture throughout the books of …
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David examines major works and ideas in Kabbalah over the past five centuries in this final part of his lecture series, A Kabbalistic Journey Through Time. The talk explores the contributions of: The GR”A, the Vilna Gaon Rabbi Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal Rabbi Naphtali Bacharach. It also discusses the ideas of the following rabbis: Israel …
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Two towering kabbalistic figures of the 16th century are examined in this third part of David’s lecture series, A Kabbalistic Journey Through Time. David explores the ideas of Rabbi Moshe (Moses) Cordovero (the RaMaQ) and Rabbi Yitzchak (Isaac) Luria (the AR”Y), whose contributions to Kabbalah – both emerging in late 1500s in the town of …
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The post #104 A Kabbalistic Journey Through Time (3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #103 A Kabbalistic Journey Through Time (2) 2. #59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment) 3. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4)
“The Zohar is not a book but a phenomenon.” David’s second lecture in his series, A Kabbalistic Journey Through Time, explores the extraordinary ideas and contributions of the: Zohar, Tikkunei HaZohar, and Sefer ha-Temunah. In his discussion of the Zohar, David examines its dynamic interpretation of the Torah and how it applies this interpretation to …
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David provides a remarkable historical overview of the origins of Kabbalah through the emergence of its early fundamental texts. The series explores numerous questions regarding the development of Kabbalah: What are the key kabbalistic books to have shaped our understanding of Jewish mysticism? When did they appear? And what were the profound ideas they contributed …
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This final part in David’s four-part Zoom series in the lead-up to Yom Kippur, The Power of Challenge, the Challenge of Teshuva, looks at the issue of repentance and forgiveness within community. David examines three fascinating and, at times, heartbreaking stories from Jewish History of people who have: accepted their mistakes, sought communal acceptance of …
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This third lecture in David’s Zoom series, The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva, different ways the Talmud discusses the concept of teshuva. David explores three illustrative episodes from Tanach and the Talmudic period identified by the sages as: Examples that teach the importance of teshuva Halachic guidance in the process of seeking – …
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Part two of David’s Zoom series, The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva, looks at the idea of individual and collective teshuvah in Tanach. The lecture examines the story of the prophet Jonah and the teshuvah of the city of Nineveh. David explores different views around the city’s repentance and its connection to the …
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The post #99 The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva (2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #98 The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva (1) 2. #56 The Power of Teshuva 3. #55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets
he first episode of David’s Elul Zoom lecture series, The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva, considers early biblical figures whose individual examples of teshuva illustrate a range of human responses to this powerful idea of self-investigation, repentance, and remorse. David examines four biblical stories, those of: Cain Avimelech King Saul King David each …
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The post #98 The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva (1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour 2. #56 The Power of Teshuva 3. #11 Moments of Teshuva (Repentance) in Jewish History
This final episode of David’s four-part series entitled Unorthodox Episodes of the Talmud explores the idea of the evil inclination – the yetzer harah – with a particular focus on problems relating to sexual temptation. David explains that sages of the Talmud discussed how few things are as powerful as the desire for intimacy. This …
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The third part of David’s series, Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud, explores a fascinating series of interconnected stories involving: a high-level international diplomatic mission, undercover rabbinical espionage, a cast of remarkable Talmudic rabbinical figures, parental concern, a curious question of Jewish law, the mystical powers of the rabbis, a sighting of looted treasures from the …
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Part two of David’s Zoom series, Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud, mixes Jewish history with textual learning and fascinating storytelling. The talk continues the story begun in the previous episode regarding Rav Kahana, a third-century sage who fled Babylonian authorities to find refuge in the Land of Israel following a violent confrontation in a rabbinical court. …
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In this Zoom lecture series, David explores several fascinating episodes described in the Talmud. This first lecture in the series discusses an unusual Talmudic incident involving disloyalty, self-righteousness, contempt, justice, death, restitution, escape, and consequences. As with many stories from the Talmud, this incident is set during a time known as the Amoraic period – …
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The post #94 Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud (1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud 2. #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3) 3. #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2)
In the final lecture in his series on the twelve ‘minor’ prophets of Israel, the Trei Asar, David examines the prophets who lived during the period after Israel’s return to Zion, following the Babylonian exile, namely: Hagai Zechariah Malachi. With their unique post-exilic messages, these three prophets addressed the concerns of a population grappling with …
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Part three of David’s lecture series on the Trei Asar, the twelve ‘minor’ prophets of Israel, examines the texts and themes of: Nachum, Habakkuk, and Tzephaniah. While these three books are short in length, David explains the importance of each, their place in the prophetic continuum, and how they sit in relation to significant moments …
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This second instalment of David’s series on the Trei Asar, the twelve “minor” prophets, explores the lives and books of: Ovadiah (Obadiah), Yonah (Jonah), and Michah. David examines the historical contexts of all three prophets and how they are reflected in the texts. He also discusses the key themes in these three prophetic books, including: …
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This first lecture in David’s four-part series on the Trei Asar, the twelve minor prophets, explores how these remarkable biblical figures transformed the idea of religious practice – in particular, the way in which nations and individuals should worship a divine entity that cannot be seen. In this talk, David examines the lives and messages …
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The post #90 The Twelve Minor Prophets (1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour 2. #55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets 3. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah
In this Jewish History lecture, David follows the chronological narrative of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible), outlining the key figures and events of the biblical period, including: the patriarchs and matriarchs the Egyptian exile and the going out of Egypt the settling of the land and the period of the judges the period of the kings …
Continue reading "#89 The Historical Story of Tanach"
The post #89 The Historical Story of Tanach first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour 2. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 3. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5
In this fascinating lecture, David explores the timeline of Jewish History in search of a period that most resembles the current situation for the Jewish people. Roving from biblical times to an era commonly referred to as the Dark Ages, David analyses the situation of the Jewish people during six distinct historical moments. As part …
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In this Jewish History lecture, David explores the lives, contributions, and circumstances of 14 women from Tanach: Rachav Devorah Yael Bat Yiphtach Pilegesh Bagiv’ah Ruth Channah Michal Abigail Bat Sheva Jezebel Ataliah Yehosheva Chuldah Among their numbers were: queens prophets judges politicians as well as women who were distinguished for their faith, integrity, loyalty, courage, and …
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In this final installment of his eight-part lecture series on Jewish Philosophy, David Solomon explores the philosophical contributions of six remarkable Jewish figures from the twentieth century: Rav Kook The Nazir Emmanuel Levinas Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik Yeshayah Leibovitz Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Watch the Zoom lecture here https://youtu.be/FQwN1_NKPOY In addition to outlining the philosophical ideas …
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In this Jewish Philosophy lecture, David explores the ideas and contributions of four philosophers: Nachman Krochmal Hermann Cohen Franz Rosenzweig, and Martin Buber who lived from the late 18th to early 20th centuries. This post-Enlightenment period saw a movement from reason to existentialism, influenced by Kierkegaard, Kant, and Hegel. David’s examination of these Jewish …
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The sixth instalment of David’s Jewish Philosophy lecture series considers two renowned, sometimes controversial, philosophers living during the Enlightenment: Baruch Spinoza, and Moses Mendelssohn. Watch the lecture here: https://youtu.be/IC_bZTM55yA In the first part of this Zoom lecture, David examines the ideas and impact of Baruch Spinoza, including the ultimate cause of his excommunication from the …
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In this fifth instalment of his Jewish Philosophy lecture series, David explores two significant Jewish thinkers living in Spain in the 14th and 15th centuries: Hasdai Crescas Yosef Albo. Watch the lecture here: https://youtu.be/uZ0C8w28boc He examines the philosophical contributions of Hasdai Crescas, including his ideas on: Divine knowledge replaced by Divine love Divine omniscience, providence, …
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The fourth part of David’s Jewish Philosophy lecture series considers three giants of Jewish thought from the Medieval Period: Maimonides, the Rambam Avraham ibn Daud Rabbi Levu ben Gershon, also known as the Ralbag. David explores the centrality of Aristotelianism for these thinkers as well as the influence of Islamic culture on Western theology and …
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This Jewish Philosophy lecture explores the emergence of Neoplatonism in Jewish philosophical thinking. David examines the ideas and works of three Jewish philosophers living during the later years of the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry: Shlomo Ibn Gabirol Baḥya ibn Paquda Yehudah haLevi. Going in-depth into the contributions of Shlomo Ibn Gabirol, David discusses: Keter …
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This talk is the second instalment of David’s Jewish Philosophy series. In this episode, David examines the philosophical ideas and innovations of a towering figure of the early Middle Ages, Sa’adya ibn Yusuf al-Fayumi, commonly known as Sa’adya Gaon. Watch the lecture here. He discusses Sa’adya Gaon’s exploration of: – Reason and revelation, including sources …
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The post #80 A Journey Through Jewish Philosophy (2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #79 A Journey Through Jewish Philosophy (1) 2. #78 Passover Revelations 3. #76 Revelation & Revolution: Jewish History of the 18th Century (3)
This podcast episode launches David’s eight-part series on Jewish Philosophy. In this first lecture, David explores the earliest Jewish responses to the ancient Greek philosophers. Beginning by providing a summary of the early Greek philosophers, David defines Jewish Philosophy and how it fits within the overriding framework of Judaism. Watch the lecture here. He …
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The mystical interpretation of the festival of Passover (Pesach) is the focus of David’s latest podcast episode, a concentrated Kabbalah lecture delivered this week during chol hamoed Pesach. Kabbalistically, Pesach marks the birth of a nation, following its liberation from slavery. But it also represents the beginnings of the creative project of the people of …
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The post #78 Passover Revelations first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3) 2. #59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment) 3. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4)
Although many of the remarkable developments in 18th-century Jewish life were set within the boundaries of Europe and Ashkenazi Jewry, so much was happening beyond this region. In this fascinating podcast episode, David explores some of the most remarkable events, personalities, and contributions of Jews in the Sephardic communities of the 1700s, centred in the: …
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In this podcast episode, David examines a phase in 18th century Jewish history that he calls the ‘zenith of rabbinics’ for its extraordinary collection of learned rabbis. Among this ensemble of remarkable figures, one man towered over the rest – Elijah, the Vilna Gaon. The Gra, as the Gaon of Vilna was also known, was …
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This week David examines the beginnings of Chassidism, one of the most influential Jewish spiritual movements to emerge in the modern Jewish world. He discusses key individuals who launched – and developed – this extraordinary revolution and explores the central ideas and contributions of Chassidism to Jewish history, practice, religion, and life. As part of this …
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In this Jewish history lecture, David explores the early years of the 18th century, heavily overshadowed by two significant and difficult events of the 1600s – the cataclysm of the Khmelnytsky Massacres and the enormous reverberations of disappointment that followed the false messiah, Shabtai Tzvi. He discusses Jewish communities of importance in the 1700s – …
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The post #74 Revelation & Revolution: Jewish History of the 18th Century (1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #60 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 2) 2. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 3. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2)
In this absorbing Jewish history lecture, David examines the stories and contributions of nine remarkable, often powerful, Jewish women from the period of the second temple in Jerusalem, including: Queen Esther Judith (Yehudit) Hannah and her seven sons Hannah Maccabee Queen Salome (Shlomtzion) Queen Miriam Queen Mariamne Berenice Drusilla. David also explains how the changing …
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The post #73 Women in Jewish History: the Second Temple Period first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #68 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Three) 2. #50 Women in Jewish History: 18th to 20th Centuries 3. #48 Two Temples (part 4)
For centuries, Jewish communities were known for producing doctors of the highest order. Even in the most profound climates of anti-semitism, kings and nobles sought the care of Jewish physicians. In this podcast episode, David examines the period he refers to as the “century of the Jewish doctor” for its examples of remarkable figures who …
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In the first millennia BCE, the prophets of Israel launched an unprecedented spiritual revolution, the impact of which has resonated throughout the ages and across the world. In this fascinating lecture, David presents an overview of the twelve ‘minor’ prophets of Israel. Although their messages contained profound insight, analysis, and inspiration, these prophets are known …
Continue reading "#71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour"
The post #71 A Prophetic Revolution In One Hour first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets 2. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 3. #47 Two Temples (part 3)
Although the Holocaust looms large as the defining feature of Jewish life in Germany, it was not an isolated historical event for German Jews. The Shoa followed a long and tragic trail of massacres, pogroms, and persecutions. However, the historical relationship between the Jewish and German peoples consisted of more than bloodshed and hardship. As David …
Continue reading "# 70 From Exile in Paradise to Redemption in Hell: Jews and Judaism in Germany – past, present and future"
The post # 70 From Exile in Paradise to Redemption in Hell: Jews and Judaism in Germany – past, present and future first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #68 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Three) 2. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) 3. #8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200)
In the 20th century, the Jewish people once again found themselves battling for survival and control of the land of Israel. In this podcast episode, the final part of this four-part series on Great Battles in Jewish History, David examines two military episodes from the past century – the Battle of Latrun in 1948 and …
Continue reading "#69 Great Battles in Jewish History (Part Four)"
The post #69 Great Battles in Jewish History (Part Four) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #68 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Three) 2. #67 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Two) 3. #66 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part 1)
Beginning in the year 66 CE, the Jewish Revolt in the land of Israel launched a decades-long conflict with the Roman Empire. In this podcast episode, David examines three Roman sieges of Judean fortified towns and cities, culminating in the devastation of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70CE. He describes the key characters during this …
Continue reading "#68 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Three)"
The post #68 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Three) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #67 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Two) 2. #66 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part 1) 3. #48 Two Temples (part 4)
The early victories of the Maccabees over the Seleucid armies have been etched into Jewish memory in the form of the festival of Hanukkah. In this podcast episode, David examines the first four of these Maccabean victories with a focus on the insight, bravery, and military ingenuity of Judea’s guerrilla fighters. Continuing with his exploration …
Continue reading "#67 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Two)"
The post #67 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part Two) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #66 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part 1) 2. #27 Women of the Second Temple Period 3. #22 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 2)
The earliest detailed accounts we have of military contests between the Jewish people and their enemies are found in the Bible. In this podcast episode, the first in a four-part series on great battles of Jewish History, David examines three events from the books of Judges and Samuel in which the Jewish people experience war. …
Continue reading "#66 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part 1)"
The post #66 Great Battles of Jewish History (Part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #62 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part One) 2. #8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200) 3. #2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2
Kefitzat haderech, roughly translated as instant travel, is an idea in Judaism that a person can travel from one location to another in a moment – a type of Jewish teleportation. In this podcast episode, David discusses this fascinating concept and its place in Jewish life and texts. He explains four methods for achieving instant …
Continue reading "#65 Kefitzat Haderech – Instant Travel"
The post #65 Kefitzat Haderech – Instant Travel first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3) 2. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 3. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3)
The 1400s in Jewish history was a time of turbulence and uncertainty while also a period of tremendous Jewish intellectual and mystical exploration. In this podcast episode, the last of the three-part series ‘Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th and 15th Centuries’, David examines the lives of several fascinating figures and their contributions …
Continue reading "#64 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Three)"
The post #64 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Three) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #63 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Two) 2. #62 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part One) 3. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3)
The second half of the 14th century saw tremendous economic and theological pressure placed on the Jews of Europe. In this podcast, David explores a series of compelling and poignant historical events that captured the trying circumstances of Jewish life in the Middle Ages in Europe. David also discusses the remarkable tenacity of Jewish communities …
Continue reading "#63 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Two)"
The post #63 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Two) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #64 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Three) 2. #62 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part One) 3. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3)
In the wake of the global upheaval and transformation of the previous century, Jewish history of the 1300s unfolded as a mix of controversy, uncertainty, and innovation. In this podcast episode, David examines the early years of the 14th century for Jews in Europe and Asia with its many dark episodes – including expulsions, forced …
Continue reading "#62 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part One)"
The post #62 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part One) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #64 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Three) 2. #63 Hope in Darkness: Jewish History of the 14th & 15th Centuries (Part Two) 3. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3)
Chassidism marked a moment of revolutionary change in Jewish life and spiritual engagement of the 18th century. Heavily influenced by the teachings of the Ari, early Chassidic thinkers explored and contributed to the development of Jewish mysticism. In this podcast episode, David discusses the lives and work of several early influential Chassidic figures, including; the …
Continue reading "#61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3)"
The post #61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment) 2. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 3. #29 Chassidism ‘in one hour’
The teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Ari (AR”Y), have been profoundly influential on Jewish mystical thought of the past five hundred years. In this episode of the podcast, the second lecture in a series exploring post-Lurianic Kabbalah, David discusses the historical background, lives, and ideas of two iconic Jewish intellectual and spiritual figures – …
Continue reading "#60 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 2)"
The post #60 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3) 2. #59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment) 3. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4)
While the roots of Jewish mysticism can be found in the Torah, the past millennia have contributed numerous extraordinary developments and revelations in the field of Kabbalah. In particular, the teachings and ideas of 16th century kabbalist, Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Ari, have been profoundly influential on Jewish mystical thinking, literature, and …
Continue reading "#59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment)"
The post #59 Kabbalah: History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part One – Revelation & Concealment) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #61 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 3) 2. #60 Kabbalah – History & Ideas Since the Ari (Part 2) 3. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4)
The messianic idea has been part of Jewish thought since the writings of the prophets who developed the notion that a restored Israel, housing the presence of the Divine, could lead to a transformed world. In this podcast episode, David explores the idea and manifestation of messianism in Judaism and examines several fascinating examples of …
Continue reading "#58 How to Convert the Pope: Successful and Failed Attempts to Bring the Messiah"
The post #58 How to Convert the Pope: Successful and Failed Attempts to Bring the Messiah first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 2. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3) 3. #26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4)
Wine has played a central role in Jewish life from the very beginning. In this podcast episode, David draws together the themes of wine, the High Holidays, Kabbalah, and the natural world in a talk given in New York in 2008. David explores the significance of wine in Jewish culture and spirituality, its status and …
Continue reading "#57 Wine and the High Holidays"
The post #57 Wine and the High Holidays first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 2. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 3. #45 Two Temples (part 1)
The concept of teshuva – usually translated in English as “repentance” but literally meaning “return” – is, as David discusses in this episode, a phenomenal idea in Judaism that a person can be defined, not simply by what they do, but by their ability to change. This podcast episode, coming in advance of Yom Kippur, …
Continue reading "#56 The Power of Teshuva"
The post #56 The Power of Teshuva first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #98 The Power of Change, the Challenge of Teshuva (1) 2. #55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets 3. #11 Moments of Teshuva (Repentance) in Jewish History
A Podcast on the Prophets of Israel in Tanach (Hebrew Bible) The Trei Asar, known in English as the twelve ‘minor’ prophets, have been fundamental to the transmission of ideas and moral perspectives through the past two and a half millennia. In this podcast episode, the final instalment of this four-part series on the prophets …
Continue reading "#55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets"
The post #55 The Prophets: The Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #54 The Prophets: Ezekiel 2. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4) 3. #17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2)
A Podcast on the Prophets of Israel in Tanach (Hebrew Bible) The Book of Ezekiel has been enormously influential on Jewish spirituality for two-and-a-half millennia, including as the foundational inspiration for subsequent Jewish mystical ideas and texts. In this podcast episode, David examines the life and work of the Prophet Ezekiel (Yechezkel), believed to be …
Continue reading "#54 The Prophets: Ezekiel"
The post #54 The Prophets: Ezekiel first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #46 Two Temples (part 2) 2. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1) 3. #20 Revelation in Exile: the Book of Ezekiel
A Podcast on the Prophets of Israel in Tanach (Hebrew Bible) It is impossible to understand the impact of the prophets of Israel without placing them in their historical and cultural contexts. In this podcast episode, David sets the fascinating historical background to the emergence of the second of the ‘major prophets’, Jeremiah (Yeremiyahu). He …
Continue reading "#53 The Prophets: Jeremiah"
The post #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #52 The Prophets: Isaiah 2. #46 Two Temples (part 2) 3. #45 Two Temples (part 1)
A Podcast on the Prophet Isaiah in Tanach (Hebrew Bible) The Prophets of Israel were a unique and revolutionary spiritual phenomenon with profound impact across the ages. In this podcast episode, the first of a four-part series on the prophets scheduled for Elul, David examines the context, character, and inspirational message of the Prophet Isaiah …
Continue reading "#52 The Prophets: Isaiah"
The post #52 The Prophets: Isaiah first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 2. #45 Two Temples (part 1) 3. #17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2)
A Podcast on Women in Jewish History Recent decades have seen many examples of Jewish women who have significantly influenced Jewish history and, more generally, world history. In this podcast episode, David examines the characters and contributions of more than 20 extraordinary Jewish women from the past hundred years. He explores their fascinating and sometimes …
Continue reading "#51 Women in Jewish History: 20th to 21st Centuries"
The post #51 Women in Jewish History: 20th to 21st Centuries first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #50 Women in Jewish History: 18th to 20th Centuries 2. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) 3. #32 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 2)
A Podcast on Women in Jewish History From mystics and messianic figures to writers, activists, and politicians women made enormous contributions to Jewish and world history during the four centuries examined in this lecture. In this podcast episode, David explores the characters and contributions of a collection of “remarkable and extraordinary” women from the mid …
Continue reading "#50 Women in Jewish History: 18th to 20th Centuries"
The post #50 Women in Jewish History: 18th to 20th Centuries first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #51 Women in Jewish History: 20th to 21st Centuries 2. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 3. #23 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 1)
A Podcast on the Book of Job in the Hebrew Bible The Book of Job (Iyov) is a philosophical discussion on the nature of divine justice in relation to human suffering. In this podcast episode, David provides a fascinating overview of the story of Job whose tragic circumstances cause him to demand an explanation from …
Continue reading "#49 When Being Righteous is not Enough: A Study of the Book of Job"
The post #49 When Being Righteous is not Enough: A Study of the Book of Job first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #52 The Prophets: Isaiah 2. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1) 3. #20 Revelation in Exile: the Book of Ezekiel
A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History The arrival of General Pompey into Jerusalem heralded the beginning of the end for the Second Temple and Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. In this podcast episode, timed to coincide with Tisha B’Av, David explores the fascinating drama of the reign of Herod; the …
Continue reading "#48 Two Temples (part 4)"
The post #48 Two Temples (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #47 Two Temples (part 3) 2. #45 Two Temples (part 1) 3. #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2)
A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History When the Persian King Cyrus the Great sponsored a Jewish return to the Land of Israel to rebuild a temple in Jerusalem he launched an era in Jewish History known as the Second Temple Period. In this podcast episode, David explores the first four centuries of …
Continue reading "#47 Two Temples (part 3)"
The post #47 Two Temples (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 2. #46 Two Temples (part 2) 3. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4)
A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History The latter years of the First Temple period saw the Kingdom of Judah contending with dangers posed by the politics of the region and the fluctuating strengths and flaws of the reigning Judean kings. In this podcast episode, David examines the eighth to sixth centuries BCE. …
Continue reading "#46 Two Temples (part 2)"
The post #46 Two Temples (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #92 The Twelve Minor Prophets (3) 2. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 3. #45 Two Temples (part 1)
A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History This episode is the first instalment of David’s next four-part series, Two Temples, launched to coincide with the beginning of the Three Weeks—a period of mourning in the Jewish calendar that marks the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. In this podcast episode, …
Continue reading "#45 Two Temples (part 1)"
The post #45 Two Temples (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 2. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 3. #46 Two Temples (part 2)
A Jewish History Podcast The final lecture in this four-part series provides a fascinating overview of the closing decades of the 17th century and the historical events and characters that would prepare the world for the new century. In this podcast episode, David examines the extraordinary stories of a Portuguese explorer; of the reputed appearance …
Continue reading "#44 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 4)"
The post #44 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 3. #41 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 1)
A Jewish History Podcast In this podcast episode, David examines the lives, contributions, and influences of six significant Jewish women from the 17th century. In exploring the individual stories of these poets and scholars, merchants and messianic figures, David provides fascinating insight into different areas of Jewish life in the 1600s as well as into …
Continue reading "#43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3)"
The post #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #44 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 4) 2. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 3. #41 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 1)
A Jewish History Podcast This podcast episode begins with an exploration of two significant moments in the second quarter of the 17th century: the contributions and controversies of the German rabbi and kabbalist Naphtali Bacharach and the horror of the Cossak uprisings in Ukraine under the leadership of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. With this background in place, …
Continue reading "#42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2)"
The post #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #44 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 4) 2. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 3. #41 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 1)
A Jewish History Podcast With a background of war, emerging superpowers, and the Enlightenment, Jewish History of the 17th century is largely seen through the prism of communal experience. In this podcast episode, David explores the narratives and circumstances of communities across Europe, tales of emerging Jewish life in the Americas, and accounts of the …
Continue reading "#41 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 1)"
The post #41 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #44 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 4) 2. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 3. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2)
A Podcast on Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah The revelation of the Zohar saw an enormous shift in the landscape of Jewish mystical thinking, including in the techniques and ideas focused on the quest to engage with the Divine. In this podcast episode, David examines the ideas, practices, and approaches to encounters with Gd as explored …
Continue reading "#40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4)"
The post #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3) 2. #38 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 2) 3. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1)
A Podcast on Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah The Jewish mystical concept of devekut is largely concerned with ways through which a person can become closer to Gd. In this podcast episode, David discusses two of the more practiced paths towards devekut: prayer and sex. He also examines profound themes in Sefer HaBahir and touches on …
Continue reading "#39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3)"
The post #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 2. #38 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 2) 3. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1)
A Podcast on Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah It is not only in Tanach (Hebrew Bible) that we find moments of human encounters with the Divine. In this podcast episode, David explores mystical encounters of this kind as described in sacred Jewish texts from the Talmudic to Medieval periods. In addition to examining the nature of …
Continue reading "#38 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 2)"
The post #38 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 2. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3) 3. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1)
The Jewish mystical tradition has fascinating and profound speculations about accessing divine reality. In this podcast episode, the first in a four-part series entitled ‘A History of Mystical Encounters’, David explores definitions of mysticism and its manifestations in life and texts. In doing so, he looks at different forms of Jewish mystical practice, including biblical …
Continue reading "#37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1)"
The post #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #54 The Prophets: Ezekiel 2. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 3. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3)
The period of the 3rd to 5th centuries (CE) saw a different type of world emerging from one that had, for centuries, been controlled by two empires: Rome and Parthia. In this podcast episode, David explores the new Jewish reality and the revolutionary innovations that resulted. In particular, he examines the extraordinary project of the …
Continue reading "#36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3)"
The post #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2) 2. #34 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 1) 3. #32 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 2)
The consequences of the Roman destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem were devastating and yet Jewish life continued in fascinating ways. In particular, the years that followed saw Jewish spiritual and intellectual endeavours developing in profound and impactful directions. In this podcast episode, David examines the second century CE, exploring the enormous contributions of some …
Continue reading "#35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2)"
The post #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 2. #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3) 3. #34 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 1)
The rise of the influence of Chazal, the sages of the Talmud, emerged during the early phases of Roman rule over the Land of Israel. In this podcast episode, David examines the key characters and events of the early phase of the Talmudic Period. He explores the changing focus of Jewish existence from one based …
Continue reading "#34 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 1)"
The post #34 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 2. #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3) 3. #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2)
The tenth-century of Jewish History is the focus of this final part of David’s series on the Geonic Period. In this podcast episode, David explores the life, characters, and contributions of some of the towering intellectual and rabbinical authorities of that period. He also discusses the incredibly influential translations, texts and Jewish resources developed by …
Continue reading "#33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3)"
The post #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 2. #32 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 2) 3. #31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1)
Jewish life of the 8th and 9th centuries is the focus of this podcast episode. In examining this period, David Solomon explores the impact of the battle for control of Spain on Jewish life; the emergence of profoundly influential Jewish legal codifications and spiritual resources; the reputed mass conversion of the kingdom of the Khazars; …
Continue reading "#32 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 2)"
The post #32 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) 2. #31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1) 3. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300)
During the 6th and 7th centuries, Jewish populations were centred in territories ruled by the Sassanian, Byzantine and the Western Roman empires. In this podcast episode, David Solomon examines how Jewish life unfolded during these two centuries. He explores the changing fortunes of the renowned Jewish academies of Sura and Pumbedita; the role and status …
Continue reading "#31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1)"
The post #31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #73 Women in Jewish History: the Second Temple Period 2. #36 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 3) 3. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3)
Every year Jewish people come together in homes around the world to share in the mitzvah of the Passover seder. But what are the essential elements of the seder? What do people need to know in order to fulfil this mitzvah? In this podcast episode, David Solomon discusses the key things people need to understand …
Continue reading "#30 The Passover Seder ‘in one hour’"
The post #30 The Passover Seder ‘in one hour’ first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #35 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 2) 2. How to Run Your Own Seder in Unusual Circumstances – free online class 3. #29 Chassidism ‘in one hour’
Arising in the wake of a number of dramatic historical events of the 17th century, the Chassidic movement emerged in the first half of the 18th century under the charismatic leadership of Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov, with profound effect on European Jewry. In this podcast episode, David Solomon provides an introduction …
Continue reading "#29 Chassidism ‘in one hour’"
The post #29 Chassidism ‘in one hour’ first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 2. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 3. #30 The Passover Seder ‘in one hour’
De-mystifing the mystical: in this podcast episode David Solomon explores the complex and profound field of Kabbalah to provide an overview of its texts and ideas, together with their historical background. David also explains exactly where popular Kabbalah comes from and provides the one thing that it is missing: context. …
Continue reading "#28 Kabbalah ‘in one hour’"
The post #28 Kabbalah ‘in one hour’ first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 2. #39 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 3) 3. #38 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 2)
David discusses the lives and contributions of several remarkable women who lived during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Their stories are not only fascinating in themselves, but they shed a light on the era in which they lived. This podcast episode, released in advance of Purim, a festival based in a tale …
Continue reading "#27 Women of the Second Temple Period"
The post #27 Women of the Second Temple Period first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #48 Two Temples (part 4) 2. #34 Chazal in the Age of Empires: An Overview of the Talmudic Period (part 1) 3. #21 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 1)
This final lecture in the Highlights of Australian Jewish History series examines the years between the 1930s to 1960s. In this podcast episode, David Solomon discusses the contributions made by a number of the key rabbis of this period. He also explores the debate within the Australian Jewish community around Zionism; its response to Jewish …
Continue reading "#26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4)"
The post #26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #25 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 3) 3. #24 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 2)
The ‘Golden Age’ of Jewish life in Australia began, appropriately, in the 1850s with the start of the gold rushes, a phenomenon that was to triple the size of the Jewish population in the colonies. This podcast episode, the third in this series on Australian Jewish History, explores the stories of Australian Jews over the …
Continue reading "#25 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 3)"
The post #25 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 2. #26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4) 3. #24 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 2)
The beginnings of community and the rise of independent colonies are the underpinning themes of this podcast episode, the second of David Solomon’s four-part series on Australian Jewish History. In this episode, David examines a period of 22 years, between 1828 and 1850. He looks at the impact of Jewish free settlers with means and …
Continue reading "#24 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 2)"
The post #24 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4) 3. #25 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 3)
After a short break, David’s podcasts are back! We are very excited to share the upcoming lectures with you. The story of Australian Jewry begins with the First Fleet and the earliest moments of European settlement of the Australian colonies. In this podcast episode, the first of a four-part series on Australian Jewish History, David …
Continue reading "#23 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 1)"
The post #23 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #50 Women in Jewish History: 18th to 20th Centuries 2. #26 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 4) 3. #25 Dinkum Diaspora: Highlights of Australian Jewish History (part 3)
While the period of the Hasmonean high-priest rulers saw the return of Jewish control over the Land of Israel, it was also a time of bloody conflict and brutal factionalism. In this podcast episode, David Solomon explores the fascinating reigns of the Hasmonean kings and queens, from John Hyrcanus to Shlomtziyon. He examines the bitter …
Continue reading "#22 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 2)"
The post #22 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #47 Two Temples (part 3) 2. #21 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 1) 3. #16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1)
Released in advance of Chanukah is David Solomon’s exciting exploration of the extraordinary (and miraculous) religious revolt led by the Maccabees between 167 and 160 BCE against the Seleucid Empire – the first installment of a two-part series on the rise and fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty. In this episode, David discusses the key figures …
Continue reading "#21 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 1)"
The post #21 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #27 Women of the Second Temple Period 2. #22 Priests and Princes, Power and Politics: the Rise and Fall of the Hasmonean Dynasty (Part 2) 3. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4)
From deep within the Babylonian exile, the prophet Ezekiel became the extraordinary conduit for the voice of Gd outside of the Land of Israel. In this podcast episode, David Solomon explores the life and setting of the prophet Ezekiel; his profound messages of teshuva and the importance of individual responsibility; and his remarkable visions – …
Continue reading "#20 Revelation in Exile: the Book of Ezekiel"
The post #20 Revelation in Exile: the Book of Ezekiel first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #54 The Prophets: Ezekiel 2. #37 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 1) 3. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4)
Building the dream Following the return to the Land of Israel from the Babylonian exile, the Jewish nation found itself grappling with issues associated with the reconstruction of a society and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Two extraordinary figures to emerge at this crucial juncture in Jewish history were the prophets Ḥaggai and …
Continue reading "#19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4)"
The post #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3) 2. #17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2) 3. #16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1)
Israel’s true destiny is not about nationalism or religion The third instalment of David Solomon’s podcast series on the rise of the prophets of Israel focuses on Jeremiah whose extraordinary life and powerful messages have inspired and resonated with audiences until today. David examines the geo-political reality of the region during Jeremiah’s life and its …
Continue reading "#18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3)"
The post #18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4) 2. #17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2) 3. #16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1)
The great prophets of the southern kingdom The destruction of the northern kingdom left the Kingdom of Judah as the remaining sovereign home for the Jewish people. Out of that new historical reality emerged extraordinary prophets who transformed the concept of Gd and promoted ideas of peace, justice and teshuva. In this podcast episode, David …
Continue reading "#17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2)"
The post #17 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #52 The Prophets: Isaiah 2. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4) 3. #18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3)
The beginnings of literary prophecy The prophets of Israel emerged into history with positions and authority unprecedented across the ancient world. In this podcast episode, the first of a four-part series on the rise of the prophets of Israel, David Solomon examines this extraordinary social and spiritual phenomenon. Providing comprehensive historical background to the societies …
Continue reading "#16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1)"
The post #16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #52 The Prophets: Isaiah 2. #19 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 4) 3. #18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3)
Scholars, doctors and adventurers are the focus of this podcast episode, the final talk in David Solomon’s series on the 16th century. David explores figures of the second half of the 1500s, from Europe to the Americas, who made extraordinary contributions in science and medicine, mysticism and rabbinic literature, commerce and politics, and global exploration. …
Continue reading "#15 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 4)"
The post #15 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 4) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #42 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 2) 2. #14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3) 3. #13 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 2)
In the 1500s, Jewish life was shaped by many remarkable figures among whom were a number of powerful and learned Jewish women. In this third podcast episode on Jewish History of the 16th century, David Solomon examines the lives and contributions of some of these influential Jewish women and explores the extraordinary impact they had …
Continue reading "#14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3)"
The post #14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #15 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 4) 2. #13 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 2) 3. #12 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 1)
Jewish life in the Ottoman Empire flourished in the 16th century. In this podcast episode, David Solomon examines factors across the empire that would come together during this period to create revolutionary developments in Jewish law and mysticism. David examines the lives and work of key individuals involved in this revolution, providing an overview of …
Continue reading "#13 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 2)"
The post #13 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 2) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #40 A History of Mystical Encounters (part 4) 2. #15 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 4) 3. #14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3)
In the first of this podcast series looking at Jewish History of the 16th century, David Solomon examines fascinating religious and secular developments of the early 1500s in Europe and Asia and the consequences they would have for Jewish populations – both positive and negative. David also discusses the emergence of a range of remarkable …
Continue reading "#12 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 1)"
The post #12 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 1) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #15 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 4) 3. #14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3)
Exploring moments from the Bible to the modern era, David Solomon tells the stories of notable examples of teshuva (repentance) in Jewish History. He discusses the context of the individuals at the centre of these stories, how they identified and dealt with their wrong doing – both in relation to others and before Gd – …
Continue reading "#11 Moments of Teshuva (Repentance) in Jewish History"
The post #11 Moments of Teshuva (Repentance) in Jewish History first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #20 Revelation in Exile: the Book of Ezekiel 3. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300)
Throughout Europe, Jewish life in the second half of the 13th century existed under economic and theological oppression. There were national expulsions; country-wide promotions of the blood libel; sermons to convert Jews; papal bulls; forced disputations; massacres; and organised kidnappings. However, this fifty-year period also saw profoundly important developments in Jewish mysticism, law and commentary. …
Continue reading "#10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300)"
The post #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #11 Moments of Teshuva (Repentance) in Jewish History 2. #9 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 3: 1200-1250) 3. #8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200)
Life in the first half of the 13th Century continued in the shadow of dramatic and perilous historical events including the Second Reconquista; the fourth to sixth crusades; the rule of the Ayyubids; the Mongol invasion; the rise of the Mamluks; and the emergence of high scholasticism. Within this context, Jewish life was often fraught …
Continue reading "#9 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 3: 1200-1250)"
The post #9 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 3: 1200-1250) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #43 Communities in Search of Meaning: Jewish History of the 17th Century (part 3) 2. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300) 3. #8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200)
The second half of the 12th century is the focus of this podcast episode. David Solomon explores Jewish History through the eyes and contributions of individuals and the broader perspectives of nations. He examines the life and work of towering figures like the Rambam (Maimonides), the significant contributions made by Torah commentators and translators of …
Continue reading "#8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200)"
The post #8 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 2: 1150-1200) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #33 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 3) 2. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300) 3. #9 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 3: 1200-1250)
The first half of the 12th century was rich with Jewish intellectual and spiritual contribution but it was also marred by hardship and violence. Framed by a background of large empires and changing power structures, this podcast examines the impact that historical events like the first two crusades, the Blood Libel, the first reconquista of …
Continue reading "#7 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 1: 1100-1150)"
The post #7 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 1: 1100-1150) first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #14 Worlds in Transition: Jewish History of the 16th Century (part 3) 2. #10 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 4: 1250-1300) 3. #9 From the Rambam to the Zohar: Jewish History of the 12th & 13th Centuries (Part 3: 1200-1250)
Kingship was reinstated in the land of Israel following the return from Babylonian exile. This podcast episode examines the historical background of the period of Second Temple, including the expansion of the Hasmonean kingdom through military annexation and repopulation; the tension between the Sadducees and the Pharisees; and the rise and expansion of Rome. David …
Continue reading "#6 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 6"
The post #6 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 6 first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 2. #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4 3. #2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2
The period of the Josianic kings, from Menasheh to Zedekiah, was the last chapter for the Judean Kingdom before the Babylonian exile. This podcast explores the personalities and actions of these kings and the overall historical setting of their reigns, including the domination and fall of the Assyrian Empire, the defeat of Egypt, and the …
Continue reading "#5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5"
The post #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #53 The Prophets: Jeremiah 2. #46 Two Temples (part 2) 3. #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4
The historical period from King Joash (Yehoash) to King Hezekiah (Heskiyahu), exploring the histories, personalities and fates of these kings and all those in between is the focus of this episode. David discusses the House of Jehu and the circumstances that led to the end of the Northern Kingdom. He provides an overall picture of …
Continue reading "#4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4"
The post #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4 first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 2. #3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3 3. #2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2
The houses of David and Omri in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel are the focus of this episode. David provides a geo-political picture of the region at this time, including what was happening with Aram, Moab, Edom and Assyria as well as the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the spread of the Baalist cults. …
Continue reading "#3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3"
The post #3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3 first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 2. #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4 3. #2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2
This episode examines the history, context and personalities of the periods of King David and his son King Solomon; the separation of the united kingdom into the kingdoms of Judah and Israel; and the first few kings of these divided kingdoms.
The post #2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2 first appeared on David Solomon.
Related posts:1. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 2. #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4 3. #3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3
This episode examines the historical setting that led to the first king of Israel; the Prophet Samuel; and the reign of King Saul. For more than a thousand years, the nation of Israel was led socially and politically by monarchs. Kings and queens of the Jewish people gained the throne of sovereign power through a …
Continue reading "#1 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 1"
The post #1 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 1 first appeared on David Solomon. Related posts:1. #5 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 5 2. #4 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 4 3. #3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3