Judaism From Within: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Insights in to Jewish outlook symbols and philosophy (based off the teachings Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch)
Pirkei Avot פרק ו through Samson Raphael Hirsch -The Meaning of Torah Lishmah - When Torah Leaves You Unchanged
Walking Through the Underworld with Rav Hirsch Naftali Niftauti (Collective Writing IX)
Judaism Is Not a Religion: Why It Cannot Be Reduced to Belief or Doctrine
Rav Hirsch on Shavot ( Sivan Collective Writings I)
Don’t Dilute Sinai - Holding Torah in a modern world Rav Hirsch on Shavot ( Sivan Collective Writings IV)
Pirkei Avot פרק ג through Samson Raphael Hirsch - The Philosophy of the Table: Mortality, Meaning, and the Yoke of Burdens
Pirkei Avot פרק ב through Samson Raphael Hirsch
Torah as a Way of life, and a This-Worldly Vision of reward books and poverty
Pirkei Avot פרק א Through Samson Raphael Hirsch
on divine origin, the danger of moral posturing, the sanctity of the home and marriage, and the democratization of Torah learning
4 Cups & The Relevance of Freedom To Life Today - Rav Hirsch on Freedom ( Collective Writings IV)
From Wonder To Wisdom & Dealing With a Cynical Child - Rav Hirsch on חנוך ( Collective Writings III)
The Tyranny of Predictability: The Shepherd and the God Who Breaks the System ( Collective Writings II)
Samson Raphael Hirsch On pesach
The Cruelest Month and Its Answer: How Pesach Reframes Time, Space, Self, and Suffering (Nissan I Rav Hirsch Collective Witings)
Rav Hirsch on Purim: Meaning in Hindsight — and the Courage and Sacrifice of Our Soldiers
Rav Hirsch Mishpatim - How They Treat the Waiter On a Date: The Moral Baseline That Reveals Who You Really Are
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on Attention
Mitzvah #84 Lost Articles & Testimony - The Morality of Attention
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on Chinuch
Mitzvah #83 - Chinuch Part 2 - Raising Them Right: A Spiritual Guide to Parenting Every Age
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on Chinuch
The Triple Responsibility: Physical, Emotional & Practical & How We Can Betray It
In this short episode of Hirsch on the Weekly Parasha, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s profound vision of aesthetics. Why did God create a world of beauty? Is the pursuit of the beautiful a spiritual distraction or a path to the divine?
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's vision of Setting Up a Home
We explore the timeless call to raise families, sustain the Jewish people, and secure the moral mission to humanity rooted in the practical wisdom of financial stability and the spiritual weight of home.
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch vision of Teshuvah
What if repentance isn’t about apologising to God but confronting yourself? In this episode, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s vision of Teshuvah as radical self-honesty:
confession not as ritual, but as recognition of your own capacity to change.
And what if sin itself isn't a flaw in the system, but a feature essential to human freedom, moral struggle, and divine purpose? Join us as we reframe failure, not as shameful, but as the starting point of meaning.
Rav Hirsch, Horeb, Mitzvah 78 – Rabbinic AuthorityAs we explore in this episode, Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch understood ancient legal authority not as personal influence, but as the outgrowth of a divinely mandated structure a system rooted in Sinai that gives form to our mission in life. Drawing on his analysis, we reflect on the nature of our own rabbinic influences.
I examine its relevance to the idea of a personal rabbi not merely someone wise or kind, but someone embedded in a structure, someone who submits to a higher halachic authority. As Rav Hirsch points out, the Sanhedrin held legitimate power only when seated in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, and the Kohen could serve only while wearing his sacred garments. True Torah leadership is not about charisma, but continuity. Without submission to something beyond the self, we risk mistaking personality for Torah.
Horeb – Mitzvah #77 - Intermarriage - Why Judaism Isn’t Racist, and What Makes a Marriage Sacred
In this episode, we tackle a common misconception: that Judaism's opposition to intermarriage is rooted in ethnic exclusivity. Drawing from the insights of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Horeb, we explore how Judaism views identity through ethical and moral responsibility. We contrast the universalism of the Church with salvation through the institution, with Judaism's ethical universalism, which upholds that anyone can find favor through just and moral living. We also examine how love in Judaism is not an end in itself, but a foundation that matures into shared mission, where man and woman unite not just emotionally, but toward a higher purpose.
Mitzvah #75 – תלמוד תורה
Learning as Calling in Rav Hirsch's Horeb
Exploring Rav Hirsch’s vision of study as transformation and mission.
Mitzvah #74 – מפני שיבה תקום
Age, Wisdom & Virtue: AI and the Illusion of Insight
How do we honor the ripened wisdom of age in an age of instant answers? This episode explores the mitzvah of “מפני שיבה תקום” through the lens of Rav Hirsch and the digital age—contrasting earned maturity with artificial knowledge. As AI offers the illusion of depth without the work of becoming, we reflect on what it means to truly grow into virtue, not just simulate it.
Mitzvah #68 - מאכלים אסורים Part 3 - Eating with Intent
The Symbolic Depth of Kashrut
Why does the Torah allow us to eat some animals but not others? Based on Rav Hirsch’s teachings, this episode looks at how Kashrut shapes our mindset, encouraging mindfulness and spiritual awareness. We’ll also explore the risks of living a life driven by materialism or determinism and how Kashrut helps us live with greater intention and purpose.
Join us as we delve into Rav Hirsch's profound insights on ma'akhalei asurim—forbidden foods in Judaism, uncovering layers of meaning that extend beyond the table.
In this episode, we also offer a recap of Rav Hirsch's unique halachic and symbolic approach, bridging law and philosophy in a way that transforms our understanding of everyday practices.
As we approach the High Holidays, many grapple with the underlying significance of this time. I'd like to explore some of the common struggles people face and share Rav Hirsch's powerful perspective on the shofar that deeply resonated with me. ( it was recoded a few years ago but still very on point)
Mitzvah #67: הרחקה מעריות - Guardians of the Mind: Mastering the Imagination & Fulfilling Your Noble Mission
Rav Hirsch On שמירת עיניים & Cultivating Active Engagement in The World, His Perspective on Imagination, Parenting, and Personal Responsibility
Mitzvah #66: ערוה - Boundaries The Structure and Depth of Intimacy
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #65: זנות - Foundations Of a Sexual Ethic Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #64: פאת ראשכם - Cutting Hair & Beard - The Spiritual Significance of Hair & Male Modesty Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #63 - שרט - Scars and Symbols: - Reflecting On Self Harm Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #62 - מצוות שמירת נפש - Navigating The Question Of Suicide
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
----more----Mitzvah #61 - קבורה Burial Of Dead - Fatalism & Responsibility
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #60 - צער בעלי חיים Suffering Of Animals - Animal Rights & Man's Responsibility
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #59 - אתו ואת־בנו - Mother & Child - Centrality Of Love in Relation With God
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #58 - שילוח הקן Sending Away The Mother Bird - Social Responsibility & The Value Of Gender Roles
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #57 Part 2 - Dairy Dilemma - Milk & Meat Its symbolic & Moral Significance
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #57 Significance Of כלים - Part 1 - The Moral Message From Nature
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #56 Don't Destroy בל תשחית - What's Wong With Morden Environmentalism Destruction
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Chukim - And How They Have A Rational Principle
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #54 Judges Witnesses #55 Cursing - The Parallel Path to Destruction
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #53 Lashon Hara - Beyond Legalities Rediscovering Its Spirit
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #52 Abuse - The Physical, Intellectual & Emotional
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #51 - Confronting Oppression
(Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism)
Mitzvah #50 Falsehood & Lying Part 2 - Hypocrisy & Flattery
(Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism)
Mitzvah #50 Falsehood & Lying - Crafting Deceptive Realities Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #49 Damages & Duties - Navigating Moral Responsibilities (Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism)
Mitzvah #48 Quantifying & Enumerating The Pinnacle of Justice (Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism)
Mitzvah #47 - To Transfer - Your Word Break It You Brake You
Horeb Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Reasons For Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #46 - To Steal - Treason To The Spirit
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvha #45 - To Strike Or Kill - The Denial Of Meaning
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #44 - Justice - Intersection of Love and Justice
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
The Goal Of God's Law - Transition from Edot To Mishpatim
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #43 - Part 2 : Aveilus - Reflection On Where We Come From & Where We All Must Go
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #43 - Part 1: Aveilus - Emotional Recognition Of Our Humanity
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #42 - Part 2: Ma'aser - Holistically Serving G-d
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism Mitzvah #40 Bechor - Rejection Of Child Ownership
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Resons For the Laws in Judaism
Mitzvah #39 Tzitzit Part 2 - In limits There Is Freedom
Mitzvah #39 Tzitzit Part 1 - Reality Of Not Living In An Enchanted World
Horeb Hirsch Samson Raphael
Mitzvah #39 - Tefillin Part 2: The Mind In Service Of the Hand & Meaning of Torah Lishmah
Horeb Hirsch Samson Raphael
Mitzvah #37 - Gid Hanasheh : Symbol Of Comic Importance
The 4 Symbols Of Genesis
1 - Shabbos The Univerals Moral
2 - Ranbow Unvdersal Historic
3 - Mila Particular Moral
4 - & Now Gid Hanasheh Particular Historic
Horeb Rabbi Samson Hirsch's brilliant exploration of the philosophy underlying the details of practical religious observances. Mitzvah #36 Brit Milah (Circumcision) - Part 3 Grounding The Spirit In The PERIA & MILAH
Horeb Rabbi Samson Hirsch's brilliant exploration of the philosophy underlying the details of practical religious observances. Mitzvah #36 Brit Milah (Circumcision) - Part 2 Philosophical Underpinning & Its Spirit
Mitzvah #36 Brit milah (Circumcision) - Part 1 Purpose & Context
Horeb Rabbi Samson Hirsch's brilliant exploration of the philosophy underlying the details of practical religious observances.
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch On The Shofar
Rosh Hashanah Special - The Shofar Grounded Meaning
Mitzvah #35 Chodesh - The Moon Tracing its Symbolism Horeb Rabbi Samson Hirsch's brilliant exploration of the philosophy underlying the details of practical religious observances.
Mitzvah #34 Chanukah & Purim Meaning In The Now Horeb Rabbi Samson Hirsch's brilliant exploration of the philosophy underlying the details of practical religious observances.
Mitzvah #33 Fasting Part 2 - Integration Of The 5 Communal Fasts
Inside The Land
First Temple - Seeking Of Pleasure
Tenth of Tevet Seventeenth of Tammuz
Second Temple - Seeking Of Self
Tisha B'Av
Outside The Land Galuth
Seeking Of Pleasure
Fast of Esther
Seeking Of Self
Fast of Gedalia
Mitzvah #29 Counting Omer Part 2 - Unifying The Agricultural & Historical The Positive Side
Rav Hirsch Horeb
Mitzvah #29 Counting Omer - The Negative Side (& a Reflection on the Shoah The Holocaust)
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Rav Hirsch Mitzvah #27 Part 2 Pesach - Matzah & The Jewish Magna Carta
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Mitzvah #26 Part 2 Pesach - Why Can't I Own, Enjoy Or Eat?
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Mitzvah #26 Part 1 Pesach (Passover ) - Why Don't We Eat Bread? Why So Serious?
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Mitzvah #25 Part 2 Holding On To Shabbos - A New Symbolism Of Havdalah
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Mitzvah #25 Part 1 Shabbos Avoiding Indifference Kiddush
The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch
Series on Now - Horeb
Mitzvah #24 Part 1 Celebration Of Shabbos & The Festivals - Making Space For Meaning
Mitzvah #23 Part 3 The Festivals The Means & Ends (What is Ochel Nefesh)
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch HOREB
Mitzvah #23 Part 3 The Festivals The Means & Ends (What is Ochel Nefesh)
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch On the Weekly Parasha (30mins)* Wednesday morning 10:00 am Israel time (8:00 UK)
Rabbi Simi Lerner
https://zoom.us/j/95400043690?pwd=VXhlMnRjMUZ3Z3UxQmNpS0xSaTNNdz09
Code 613
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch HOREB
Mitzvah #23 Part 2 The Festivals Their Guidance & Spiritual Wisdom
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch On the Weekly Parasha (30mins)* Wednesday morning 10:00 am Israel time (8:00 UK)
Rabbi Simi Lerner
https://zoom.us/j/95400043690?pwd=VXhlMnRjMUZ3Z3UxQmNpS0xSaTNNdz09
Code 613
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch HOREB
Mitzvah #23 Part 1
The Festivals, At Their Core a Summons by God? Or a Meeting?
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch On the Weekly Parasha (30mins)* Wednesday morning 10:00 am Israel time (8:00 UK)
https://zoom.us/j/95400043690?pwd=VXhlMnRjMUZ3Z3UxQmNpS0xSaTNNdz09
Code 613
Mitzvah #22 - The impetus For Future Growth Perspectives on Yom Kippur
To Join The Group
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BP9e7MVfRez5Ek9VodLZLT
Also On Spotify, Apple, Google & Audible under Judaism From Within
Parasha Class 30mins
Wednesday Morning 10:00 am Isreal time
https://zoom.us/j/95400043690?pwd=VXhlMnRjMUZ3Z3UxQmNpS0xSaTNNdz09
Code 613
Mitzvah #21 Part 2 - What Is a Melacha & Why Can't We Do it?
To Join The Group
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BP9e7MVfRez5Ek9VodLZLT
Also On Spotify, Apple, Google & Audible under Judaism From Within
Rav Hirsch Horeb
Mitzvah #21 Part 1 - Why Don't We Do Work On Shabbos?
To Join The Group
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BP9e7MVfRez5Ek9VodLZLT
Also On Spotify, Apple, Google & Audible under Judaism From Within
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB We now Transition to the next Category Of Mitzvot From Torot To Edot Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB Mitzvah #20 - Being An Advocate Of Love (Don Lacav Zuuzhot) Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB Mitzvah #19 Lashon Harah - Not Developing The Venom Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB Mitzvah #18 Resentment- A Difficult sacrifice Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB Mitzvah #17 Rachamim - The Key To Our Humanity Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Going Through All the commandments in the Torah (bible) through the lines of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in his work HOREB Mitzva #16: Loving one's neighbour, Being an Instrument of his love Produced By Rabbi Simi Lerner
Mitzvah #10 Emunah Faith? Trust? - It's Not About What You Say
1 - what do we mean by this term Emunah
2- How is it different form other conceptions
3 - How is it Practically Trasfomative
In this weeks episode, we look at the concept of love. Love applied to people is easy to understand but how do we focus this love on something completely intangible and unknowable like God? Join us as we understand how this concept is transformative to how we act in the world and the relevance Judaism gives our lives.
Rav Hirsch HOREB - Mitzvah #8 Fear Of God To The Thinking Man & Woman
what do we mean by fear of God?
1) Defining our terms
2) it's Application To a Jewish Theology
3) how it manifests in lived life
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch HOREB - Mitzvah #7 Revelation - Treat It Like a Fact זכירת מעמד הר סיני
What is the Mitzva? and how does it affect how we act in the world?
Summary
1 - why call it a fact?
2 - The manner of Revelation and why it's meaning full
3 - Prophecy & its role
Rav Shimshon Rephel Hirsch HOREB
Reasons From Sinai - Mitzvah #6 Outlook On Life - Responsibility Not Necromancy תָּמִ֣ים תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה עִ֖ם ה
what is the outlook on life that the Torah calls on us to have?
What is the image of a complete person and what is its breakdown
What has Necromancy and supersition got to do with it?
Summary
1 - Three parts of the person
2 - The breakdown of the person
3 - Correlation Implies Causation fallacy
Reasons From Sinai - Mitzvah #5 Self Appraisal - Immunization Of The Soul
וְאֶתְכֶם֙ לָקַ֣ח יְהוָ֔ה וַיּוֹצִ֥א אֶתְכֶ֛ם מִכּ֥וּר הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם לִהְי֥וֹת ל֛וֹ לְעַ֥ם נַחֲלָ֖ה כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
but you the LORD took and brought out of Egypt, that iron blast furnace, to be His very own people, as is now the case.
Summary points
- What is the moral content of Philosophical Imunatioan
- How does Self Appraisal bolster your will for life
- How does the Moon fortify free will
Reasons From Sinai - Mitzvah #4 The World You See & Where It Might Lead...
וְלֹא־תָתֻרוּ אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם
Summary points
- Value Systems we come into the world with
- The slippery slope by our Sages
- Misconceptions of God to Moral depravity to Idolatry
Let us begin by asking a very broad ranging question - What are the reasons for the commandments in the Torah (bible)?
Reasons From Sinai - Mitzvah #3 'Idolatry' What Follows the Death Of God
What is really wrong with Idolatry? If it is simply a philosophical mistake, should an intellectual error on the part of mankind warrant so much ink in the Torah? What is so bad?
Through the lens of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch, we will discover the fundamental principle embedded in the answer.
Reasons From Sinai - Mitzvah #2 Unity of God, to Self to Purpose
With Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in Horeb
What are the reasons and motivations for Mitzvot?
Mitzvah # 2 - God is one... ok now what?
what does this tell us beyond a philosophical truth?
How does it change how we look at our self and the world?
Reasons from Sinai - Mitzvah #1 Adopting Noble Purpose
With Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch in Horeb
What are the reasons and motivations for Mitzvot?
Mitzvah #1 - Kabbalat Ol Malchut Shamayim or the Acceptance of the Yoke of Heaven or, as I put it, 'Adopting Noble Purpose'.
What does this mean? How does this principle orientate the rest of our journey?
Dear Listeners Here's to all of you- after 150 classes given on these platforms, Rav Hirsch's teachings given over 30'000 times over the course of 3 years, I want to extend my warmest thanks to each of you.
To all my listeners who have supported me and given me feedback throughout this journey, and to all those whose experience being a Jew in the modern world has been enriched through the teachings of Rav Hirsch - I am truly grateful.
Now, after 3 years of teaching the weekly Parsha through the lens of Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, I would like to venture out of my comfort zone and embark on a new journey, with you hopefully on board for the ride. We will be delving into Rav Hirsch's magnum opus, his central work geared towards the thinking Jew - Chorev. This philosophical roadmap of Jewish practice will enlighten and enrich our everyday actions as well as distil the worldview which makes Rav Hirsch such an enlightening teacher. Each class will be a stand-alone lesson, as well as fit into the larger framework of what the Sefer Chorev comes to teach us. Today, on the Yahr Zeit (day of death) of Rav Hirsch, we embark on a new journey to understand Judaism From Within. Please join me as we study Chorev.
Shemot - Forgotten Humanism Of the Modern World
We generally speaking look at culture as progressing forward
but at times this is not the case two messages from this weeks Parasha give lights to this principle,
From the lens of Rav Samson Raphel Hirsch
People often talk and criticize concepts and view they don't truly appreciate.
but to identify the truth and attractive nature of the view we can pinpoint why its a problem.
This week we talk about the Yssachar Zebulun relationship and how this relates to our goal and the study of Torah
As always from the lens of Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch
This week I try and show the timeless nature of Rav Hirsch's teachings in contrast to other Jewish thinkers.
I also use this as an opportunity to bring out one of his ideological inspirations Judah Halevi, in hi Al Kuzari.
have a great week
an age-old question, are our closest held beliefs just a result of where we are born?
on this, we open a discussion on fatalism and how words can orientate how we walk through life thought the lense of Rav Hirsch
Chanukah what's the central conflict, how should we look at the cultural challenge of the Greeks?
All BAD?
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch gives us a nuanced approach.
That does justice both to the challenge back then, as well as to our ability to grow today.
In this weeks Parasha, we speak about a topic that on the face of things seems quite bland
The Home, but from the perspective of a Jewish worldview there is nothing more central
this is easy to say but why is this the case
interview I mentioned
https://www.intentionaljew.com/shows/think-torah/
How the approach of parents and educators to fit each child into a specific framework of what they think Judaism is, can not only destroy the child but creates a perversion of the message that Judaism is trying to teach.
This week we approach Key Points in the education of our children, from the Perspective of Rav Hirsch
We speak about the necessity of exposing ourselves to other ideas outside Judaism to strengthen and appreciate our Jewish heritage.
We also speak about knowledge itself and how not to approach it purely from a utilitarian perspective and the dangers in doing so.
Alongside two key messages relating to the Jewish approach to the outside world, we speak about the Temptation and the danger in the Deification of people we love and respect.
As always though the lens of Rav Hirsch
This week we discuss the moral argument for circumcision
but this brings up 2 more questions
1) The relevance of such a discussion
2) The legitimacy of talking about morality in connection with circumcision
With Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch's insight and analysis, we gain a powerful perspective on a fundamental commandment,
have a wonderful shabbos
regarding the podcasting network I mentioned
http://intentionaljew.com/
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch draws our attention to the seemingly trivial event of what happened just before the post-flood blessing from God. Man took a stand and made a commitment that pictures how we view Judaism today
Podcast network mention on the Episode
https://intentionaljew.com/
Genesis/Bereishit - how do we look at the world today?
Taking into account our modern conceptions of the world why is the concept of creation still relevant.
we talk about the break down of an enchanted world to a world of hypothesis.
Topics of Evil, Freewill & naturalism and how we understand the timeless message of the bible from the lense of Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch.
In today's society, it is often all too easy to assume we have all the answers to the problems plaguing our society. Poverty, unfairness, and unequal distribution are difficult concepts to come to terms with, and rightfully so, since as a nation tasked with being a 'Light On To The Nations' we don't take other people's suffering lightly. In a fascinating elucidation on the Sukkah, the festive booth Jews dwell in in the coming holiday, Rav Hirsch sheds light on the true Jewish perspective on social living.
We recently received a care package for my son in COVID-19 isolation from his excellent school that inspired this talk. Looking at the beginning of the new year we all ask for tools - tools to help us live happy and successful lives. Rav Hirsch elaborates on how 3 of these crucial tools are viewed from the Jewish lens.
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch gives us an insight into the inner structure of the human personality form a Torah lens. At the same time he answers an age-old question of why we start the Amida (prayers) with mentioning wisdom and knowledge.
This week we approach a classic split in Jewish thought, the Torah's particular focus on the Jewish people and at the same time the Torah's fundamental place for all of humanity. We will also discover where the Oral tradition stands from a traditional Jewish world view.
Havdalah what is it and how are the 3 aspects of it, a drink, spices, and fire meaningful.
In this week's discussion, we dive headlong into one of philosophy's hardest questions- the nature of the mind.
Rav Hirsch shows us how a phrase in this weeks parashah so often understood as self-preservation, however delving deeper, we get a profound warning to protect our understanding of God and the Soul
We show with sensitivity to the context of the Jewish journey both a personal message and one for today's society. This is all brought to life with the use of today's cultural climate as a metaphor.
Based on the teachings of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Jewish Philosopher teacher and leader.
UNIQUE AND PROFOUND: THE HIRSCHIAN WORLD OF BIBLICAL SYMBOLISM
Special podcast - appearing on Judaism Reclaimed Rabbi S Phillips
this week we delve into the world of meaning & Mitzvot and how Rav Hirsch brings it out with symbolism.
We elaborate on how this method is both personally relevant as well as true to our human nature.
on all podcasting platforms
https://www.amazon.com/Judaism-Reclaimed-Philosophy-Theology-Torah/dp/1946351784
This week Rav Hirsch shows how a scientific theory can be highjacked. Already in his time in the case of Karl Marx with economics or with Herbert Spencer with society, and this all being an eco of an old pagan god Baal Peor
a red Cow the Para Aduma is one of the Torah's commandments that has always left people at a loss, but this week Rav Hirsch gives us a glimpse into its inner workings and meaning.
And for good measure and to keep it contemporary we also mention the symbolic intention of pulling down statues.
This week we see two aspects of the jewish faith that are key in transmitting and presenting Judaism in a relevant interesting way to the next generation.
This week Rav Hirsch gives us access to one of the most powerful but at the same time easily accessible Jewish symbols Tzitzit, at the same time elaborating the deep background that enriches it.
Shavuot - rejection of divine worship, with the upcoming festival as our background we do a deep dive into some of the most commonly used religious concepts and show how they can be misused.
also the Quote From Rav Hirsch "I would provisionally close all synagogues for a hundred years" explained
This week we see Rav Hirsch Shifts how we look at two classic Jewish concepts, ones that seemingly have no connection.
1) The Devil
2) the Giving Of Massa (tithes)
hope you enjoy
In this weeks podcast we will approach two points 1. The Torah commandment to tear our garments when encountering death and the danger of falling in to practices of death worship 2. The special relevance that this commandment holds to the Cohen (priest) and his responsibilitie, as well as how it reflects on us. From these two seemingly peripheral concepts Rav Hirsch draws out for us fundamental goals and methods of Judaism as a whole.
Acharei Mot - The Drama of growth ancient & modern
Something very disconnected both practically and religiously form our daily lives. The Chen Godol (Hight Priest) and the changing of his clothes we see being reduced and encapsulated into a system that speaks to us today.
This week we dive into a perplexing issue at the start of this week's Parasha
The imbalance between the sexes? in an understand this Rav Hirsch develops key terms & concepts, and we walk away with an enriched understanding of a divisive topic IMPURITY
This week we take a radically different approach to a bone we have on our Seder plate, a principle that stands at the root of our identity both as a Jew and a human being.
One of the most perplexing issues for the modern mind comes from the Bibles idea of sacrifices. This is going to be a focus of this week's discussion
But we going to take it one step further we going to take something that is relevant to our lives today, the SALT, we use it on Shabbos why? and what Symbolic Concept comes alive with a new view on this ancient practice
To join a 30mins live discussion on Zoom at 7:30 Uk time email me for the invite rabbilerner@jle.org.uk
This weeks Discussion we take on an often unasked question, carrying on Shabbos why is it a problem? Where does it fit? how is it meaningful? This is our journey this week through the lens of Rav Hirsch
We often hear the cleshay, how Purim was the historical attacks on the Jewish people's physical existence as opposed to Chanukah where the fight was for our spirit. But how does this fit into a greater theme of the Jewish year
This week we ask what is it with the cloths? why are they morally significant both for the Priest & the people. We then take on one item and show how with a deep appreciation for symbolism the profound message of growth and meaning come forth.
This week's discussion we show how an appreciation of both of the materials and the components that made up the Tabernacle a powerful message of Jewish meaning arises
Based off the writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
in this weeks discussion, we offer a powerful tool in ones approach the torah and a general Jewish world view by shifting your approach of the Oral Law (his Copernican revolution. At the same time, we bring out a profound moral principle from the first law in this weeks parasha
In this week's discussion, we take the decalogue the 10 commandments something that's often looked at as separate ideas, But we show with the lens of repairs how it represents, symbolises a unified inseparable whole.
image edward Lear
this week disentangle the concept of trust in God, what do we mean? we also show how the two aspects of the symbol of Shabbos play out this priciple.
this week's parsha Bo, in this week's discussion we take a look at the oral law, something that is often considered a little bit arbitrary and we show how these minor details not only validate the meaning of Biblical symbolism and its meaning but enrich it. our topic the Moon
Why is it so vital the Torah calls to our attention Moses and he very humanness. and how does this give us beautiful parallel to the Prayer Book (Siddur)
in this weeks discussion we take two of the most fuggy terms in religion faith & God what do we mean by these two terms? and why is it so central to know this in a modern context.
Mummification?
We return with a seemingly unimportant side point in the biblical narrative. But with a sensitivity to the symbolic significance and underlying philosophic roots of Judaism, we can come away with a relevant and profound appreciation of the Jewish outlook.
In this weeks Parasha we get a dark side of a family but even there we can see the rooted positive message to us to day
This week's discussion we attempt to delve into one of the most unusual symbols in the Torah at the same time we get a unique opportunity to parallel a symbol embedded in both narrative and law in the bible
Parasha Vayeitzei - 3 empowering callings of the ladder
The Torah/Bible this week gives us 3 powerfull truths from the dream of the ladder
This week we really hit on a major theme in Jewish education and education in general. Drawing on the biblical narrative to illuminate a key message.
Torah portion Chayei Sarah - Why no after Life?
Throughout the bible, we see no mention of the next world, why? for the Jews one of the most central books, and no mention of the afterlife, why?
In this week's discussion, we go through one of the most central topics of Jewish history and Jewish theology the Binding of Isaac. With the perplexing and difficult questions that arise from this event, we develop an approach. That will not only help us understand what happened in this week's portion but also helps us develop tools that allow us to tackle one of the most devastating critiques that arose on the Jewish moral framework from the thinker Immanuel Kant in the 18th century.
In this week's discussion on the weekly Parasha we turn to the story of the covenant with Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. We take the unique approach, we discuss his age. We Ask why a seemingly routine piece of information is absolutely Central to an integrated Jewish worldview hope you enjoy.
this week we go through a proclamation by Noach at the end of the Parash, we delve into the symbolic significance of this truly profound and far-reaching statement.
re the book iv mentioned by a friend of mine, where to buy
US & UK amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judaism-Reclaimed-Philosophy-Theology-Torah/dp/1946351784/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Judaism+Reclaimed%3A+Philosophy+and+Theology+in+the+Torah&qid=1572245366&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Judaism-Reclaimed-Philosophy-Theology-Torah/dp/1946351784
Genesis or Bereishit is the beginning, we look at this very old narrative though the symbolic lense of Rav Hirsch. We bring to light two fundamental principles in Jewish philosophy, as well as a few opening remarks on other possible approaches one could take.
Science, Creation & Pantheism
Yom Kippur - Confession not to Man or God
Jewish high holiday discussion what do we mean by confession?
Rosh Hashanah - Meaning Neglected
we go though some fundamental issues people have with the high holidays and an approach to the Shofer I found truly powerful
have a wonderful new year
Welcome back, it been a good few weeks break, but good to be back.
This weeks Torah portion we look into Grace after meals (benching) and the concept of a blessing.
What are Jewish people doing? and how is it useful or meaning full? and what does this have to do with WAR?
this weeks Parasha Chukat we talk about the Lie of materialism & spiritualism from the Jewish/Torah point of view
Parasha, Behalotecha - Judaism Update? where we look at two points 1) the contrast of where the Jewish people were and where they should be 2) how this call has been faced in history
in this weeks Parasha discussion we, open the topic a what a blessing is in Jewish thought and what it is not.
in this weeks discussion in preparation for the day of Shavuot, we go thought Rav Hirsch's description of how this day with its unique character displays the uniqueness of the Jewish worldview.
Behar - Right To Property & Justice, In this weeks discussion, we look at the Jewish view of property and justice.
In this weeks discussion, we break down two classic Jewish events and their connection.
In this weeks discussion we break down a classic Jewish phrase, the namesake of this weeks Parasha Kedoshim to be holy, but do we actually mean by HOLY?
Acharey Mot - Dramatization Of Freedom
Viewing the biblical narrative with the symbolic lens of Rav Hirsch we get a profound Jewish take on a classic event and practice