Searching for Truth: Through Rational Thinking

The Jewish world, both in Israel and Abroad, has been gripped by polarizing debate. Some are calling for unity and others see unity as a compromise on their values and even a legitimization of extremism. In this episode we explore the historic conflict between Jewish tribalism, and national cooperation as well as make the practical and existential case for a Unified Israel.

The past, present, and future of Modern Orthodoxy has been challenged on several different platforms over the past couple of months. We took this as an opportunity to discuss the underlying values and goals of Modern Orthodoxy, whether it has a clear path forward, and what steps Modern Orthodox communities should take to strengthen themselves. 

With Chanukah approaching, we decided to discuss what may be one of the most common questions in Emunah --what happened to open miracles. The assumption behind the question is generally that open miracles would cultivate a strong, committed, faithful Jewish Community. We challenge that assumption and explore the nature and purpose of miracles in general. 

The place of negative emotions in repentance, like sadness and guilt, have long been debated. We discuss what ideal teshuva looks like and why guilt should or shouldn't be part of it.  Orot Hateshuva- Ch. 1/ Ch. 8 Netiv Hateshuva Ch. 1 Rambam Hil. Teshuva Taanit 4:8

Why is there evil in the world? Why doesn't God eliminate it? Should we assume everything is for the good or should we identify tragedy and mourn it? Approaching Tisha B'av, we felt in appropriate to address some of the pressing questions surrounding evil and the existence of suffering in a world run but an all powerful and good God. We outlined several different theological models for grappling with this question, and we only scratched the surface. 

The question of religion and state has unique significance for the Jewish People in the Land of Israel. In the Torah, religion and state are not presented as mutually exclusive ideas rather two values that contribute to the same mission. In this episode we explore these values, the friction that often exists between them, and our historical struggle to balance between them. 

The Midrash in Bereishit Rabbah asserts that there is no Torah like the Torah of Eretz Yisrael. We explore this Midrash in depth by discussing the differences associated with Torah and Mitzvot in Israel as opposed to the Diaspora in the Gemara, Rishonim, and contemporary rabbanim.  

Having recently celebrated Yom Haatzmaut, and with Yom Yerushalayim in the immediate future, we decided to explore some of the major ideological questions surrounding the land of Israel. In particular, we addressed the question of why a physical land mass would possess such substantial spiritual significance.  רמבן ויקרא כו: יא למהלך האידאות בישראל מדרש תנחומא פרשת קדושים נתיב התורה פרק יג הרחב דבר (לנציב) בראשית מז ירושלמי ברכות א,א מיכה ז:טו תהלים מד:ד סנהדרין צז עמוד ב'- צח עמוד א ירושלמי תענית א:א  שיחות הרבי מלליובאוויטש

In this week's episode we continue our conversation about truth and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of revelation as the primary means of determining the truth. We also discuss how, as individuals, we're meant to approach contemporary topics and clarify the truth through discussion and debate.  Kuzari- Ma'amar Rishon Rambam- Moreh Nevuchim Chelek Gimmel Ch. 31 Maharal Be'er Hagolah- Be'er Rishon Rav Kook- Lemilchemet Hadeot Vehaemunot

Perhaps the most fundamental topic in the domain of thought is the parameters of truth. In this episode, we begin discussing what constitutes truth and the means by which truth may be determined in Jewish Thought-- intellect and revelation.  Rambam Moreh Nevuchim 1,2 – 51 Avodat Hakodesh Part 3 Ch. 68 Rambam Hilchot Teshuva Perek 5 Maharal Intro to Derech Hachaim Chovat Halevavot Hakdama Ramchal – Daat Tevunot 1 Malbim on Mishlei Ch. 1