Judaism From Within

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.

Horeb – Mitzvah #76: Your Moral Environment - Snared by Influence (and what is חֵרֶם)

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 #73 - כבוד אב ואם - Honor Thy Father and Mother: A Bridge to Transcendence In Gratitude to My Own Parents, Who Showed Me the Path   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on the rational of Jewish law  

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Mitzvah as Love: The Jewish Religious Consciousness in Action Mitzvah is more than obligation—it is love made real. In this episode, we explore how Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch sees mitzvah as the embodied expression of divine love, shaping not just our actions but our very consciousness. What does it mean to approach God through mitzvot? And how does this uniquely Jewish religious consciousness redefine love itself? 

Mitzvah #71 -  Following The Many - The Heuristics of Experience, Law and Faith 

Rav Hirsch's insight into vowels reveals a profound truth about the power of speech—the very tool that can create, uplift,can destroy. In this episode, we explore how language embodies both the highest potential for good and the gravest danger for harm. Why is speech the ultimate Chuk? And what does this teach us about our responsibility in wielding words?

In this episode, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's profound insights on modesty, framed through the metaphor of the soul as the master and the body as the emissary. Drawing inspiration from Iain McGilchrist's concept, we delve into how Rav Hirsch envisions the harmonious relationship between soul and body, each knowing its role in living out a life of Mission.

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.

Mitzvah #68 - Shechita Intentional Action and Reflection Explore Rav Hirsch's teachings on shechita, the Jewish method of slaughter, as a practice that demands intentionality and reflection. By confronting the act of taking life, shechita compels us to recognize the distinct nature of the human being and our unique role in the world. Join us as we uncover how this mitzvah transforms a physical act into a profound spiritual and ethical lesson, bridging the realms of halacha, philosophy, and personal growth.

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 Hirsch Mitzvah #42 Part 1 CHALLAH  - No greater enemy than Success   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For the Laws in Judaism   

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 2 - In limits There Is Freedom   Horeb  Hirsch Samson Raphael

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 #38 - Tefillin Part 1: The Symbol Of Integration & Refection 

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