What Does Judaism Say About...?

In addition to the general connection and affinity of Jews to the Land of Isreal, ‎    the Jewish (as well as Chirstian and Moslem) relationship to the city of Jerusalem as holy will be explained in this podcast. The many unique features of this city as well as the practices in Jerusalem of old that can serve model an ideal for a  city of the twenty first century, will help explain the daily longing by Jews to return there for close to two thousand years.

In addition to the general connection and affinity of Jews to the Land of Isreal, ‎    the Jewish (as well as Chirstian and Moslem) relationship to the city of Jerusalem as holy will be explained in this podcast. The many unique features of this city as well as the practices in Jerusalem of old that can serve model an ideal for a  city of the twenty first century, will help explain the daily longing by Jews to return there for close to two thousand years.

Although it seems like a simple Torah commandment – to count the fifty days between the Passover Jewish liberation until the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai, here are many deeper values and  concepts in the Mitzvah. This podcast will examine those values, and how the different customs relating to counting show how people count the days of their lives, the connection of this commandment to the holiday or Purim and also the differing view of the ideal Jewish existence.

Although it seems like a simple Torah commandment – to count the fifty days between the Passover Jewish liberation until the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai, here are many deeper values and  concepts in the Mitzvah. This podcast will examine those values, and how the different customs relating to counting show how people count the days of their lives, the connection of this commandment to the holiday or Purim and also the differing view of the ideal Jewish existence.

This podcast will show how man is similar to all other animals, and yet, very different. It will discuss if the human being is qualitatively different from animals or only quantitively different, and will analyze how many is unique is several special ways, and show how man's “animalness” affects his  daily life.

This podcast will show how man is similar to all other animals, and yet, very different. It will discuss if the human being is qualitatively different from animals or only quantitively different, and will analyze how many is unique is several special ways, and show how man's “animalness” affects his  daily life.

This podcast will analyze the status of  stem cells and the pre-embryo from the traditional Jewish perspective. It will discuss the dilemma whether taking these cells and “aborting” them in an embryo is permitted in order to heal sickness in another human is permitted or not and why. It will also discuss the status of the fetus in Jewish thought.

This podcast will analyze the status of  stem cells and the pre-embryo from the traditional Jewish perspective. It will discuss the dilemma whether taking these cells and “aborting” them in an embryo is permitted in order to heal sickness in another human is permitted or not and why. It will also discuss the status of the fetus in Jewish thought.

Does traditional believe in more than one world? Is yes, then does each world remain separate or does each of the worlds affect the others? Which is the “main” world in Jewish thought? What power do humans have to affect other worlds? This  podcast will discuss these questions through traditional Jewish sources.

Does traditional believe in more than one world? Is yes, then does each world remain separate or does each of the worlds affect the others? Which is the “main” world in Jewish thought? What power do humans have to affect other worlds? This  podcast will discuss these questions through traditional Jewish sources.

This podcast will analyze the traditional Jewish view of homosexually in the Torah text and see why the Torah seems to abhor homosexual behavior. It will show how and why Judaism distinguishes between the behavior and the person, and how a traditional Jew should come to terms with homosexual feelings in the 21st century.

This podcast will analyze the traditional Jewish view of homosexually in the Torah text and see why the Torah seems to abhor homosexual behavior. It will show how and why Judaism distinguishes between the behavior and the person, and how a traditional Jew should come to terms with homosexual feelings in the 21st century.

Can God and does God speak to each of us today, even though there are no prophets? This podcast will discuss, from a traditional Jewish viewpoint, how God communicates to each human being in the 21st century, and how each of us can train ourselves to hear and act on these messages.

Can God and does God speak to each of us today, even though there are no prophets? This podcast will discuss, from a traditional Jewish viewpoint, how God communicates to each human being in the 21st century, and how each of us can train ourselves to hear and act on these messages.

All agree that anger is a negative trait in human beings, but few people know how to control it properly. This podcast will discuss negative trait of anger from a Jewish perspective, the damage it causes and how to minimize its negative impact, when it is especially forbidden and when it is permitted, all from a uniquely Jewish perspective in the traditional sources.

All agree that anger is a negative trait in human beings, but few people know how to control it properly. This podcast will discuss negative trait of anger from a Jewish perspective, the damage it causes and how to minimize its negative impact, when it is especially forbidden and when it is permitted, all from a uniquely Jewish perspective in the traditional sources.

Until fifty years ago, most people in western societies believed only in science when it comes to health and medical practices. But Chinese and other cultures have proved conclusively that medicines not rooted in science can be very effective. How does traditional Judaism view alternative medicines? This podcast will show that thousands of years ago, traditional Judaism already discussed both sides of this question and its practical ramifications.

Until fifty years ago, most people in western societies believed only in science when it comes to health and medical practices. But Chinese and other cultures have proved conclusively that medicines not rooted in science can be very effective. How does traditional Judaism view alternative medicines? This podcast will show that thousands of years ago, traditional Judaism already discussed both sides of this question and its practical ramifications.

Almost every individual views themselves as a “basically a good person,” despite behaviors which indicate otherwise. Similarly, most people espouse that doing good is among the highest values, although few “walk the walk.” Where does Judaism place the value of goodness in the hierarchy of important Jewish values and why? What do the Jewish sources reveal about the importance of being a good person and living that lifestyle in practice? This podcast will show the differences between talking about being good and actually living it.

Almost every individual views themselves as a “basically a good person,” despite behaviors which indicate otherwise. Similarly, most people espouse that doing good is among the highest values, although few “walk the walk.” Where does Judaism place the value of goodness in the hierarchy of important Jewish values and why? What do the Jewish sources reveal about the importance of being a good person and living that lifestyle in practice? This podcast will show the differences between talking about being good and actually living it.

Does Judaism believe that God have a plan for the entire world, for the Jewish nation and for each individual? How does traditional Judaism answer yes to all these questions, and still is it believe fundamentally that each person has true free will which determines his or her own fate? This podcast will examine these important issues, and give guidance not only to Jewish belief, but also help direct each of us how to find that plan and lead a better life.

Does Judaism believe that God have a plan for the entire world, for the Jewish nation and for each individual? How does traditional Judaism answer yes to all these questions, and still is it believe fundamentally that each person has true free will which determines his or her own fate? This podcast will examine these important issues, and give guidance not only to Jewish belief, but also help direct each of us how to find that plan and lead a better life.

Some philosophers, like Kant, believed that honesty is the highest value in life. This podcast will examine the Jewish view on this question, how honest a Jew should be, in general and why, and when there are competing values with honesty, when and why it is permitted to lie in Judaism, all through the prism of traditional Jewish sources.

Some philosophers, like Kant, believed that honesty is the highest value in life. This podcast will examine the Jewish view on this question, how honest a Jew should be, in general and why, and when there are competing values with honesty, when and why it is permitted to lie in Judaism, all through the prism of traditional Jewish sources.

Heroes, i.e., most admired people in society, used to be political leaders, but today are the greatest athletes, wealthiest people, movie stars or singers. Judaism has its own definition of heroism and heroes This podcast will explain the “who” and “why” of Jewish heroes, to be most admired and imitated.

Heroes, i.e., most admired people in society, used to be political leaders, but today are the greatest athletes, wealthiest people, movie stars or singers. Judaism has its own definition of heroism and heroes This podcast will explain the “who” and “why” of Jewish heroes, to be most admired and imitated.

If each person knew exactly why he or she were put on earth, then they could better use their time here more wisely to achieve their purpose. This would also give all daily aspects of life more meaning. This podcast will give the Jewish perspective on this question, using the Torah and traditional Jewish sources and a “manual” for guidance for behavior and purpose for each individual.

If each person knew exactly why he or she were put on earth, then they could better use their time here more wisely to achieve their purpose. This would also give all daily aspects of life more meaning. This podcast will give the Jewish perspective on this question, using the Torah and traditional Jewish sources and a “manual” for guidance for behavior and purpose for each individual.

Most religions believe in some sort of existence beyond this world. If not, then it is hard to argue that each person's life is different than that of a flower, that eventually wilts and dies without meaning. It is also difficult to give actual meaning to this life, and people's behaviors, if there is nothing afterwards. But what is that life after life in traditional Judaism? How is it different from this life, and also different from other religions' description of their afterlife. This podcast will describe the normative Jewish view (even considering those individuals who claim to have seen it and then came back to come to the operating room), and the implications for us now.

Most religions believe in some sort of existence beyond this world. If not, then it is hard to argue that each person's life is different than that of a flower, that eventually wilts and dies without meaning. It is also difficult to give actual meaning to this life, and people's behaviors, if there is nothing afterwards. But what is that life after life in traditional Judaism? How is it different from this life, and also different from other religions' description of their afterlife. This podcast will describe the normative Jewish view (even considering those individuals who claim to have seen it and then came back to come to the operating room), and the implications for us now.

If a person became aware that he or she was constantly being watched on camera, 24/7, beyond the most intimate reality show, then anyone's behavior might or would change radically. And, yet, most religions, including Judaism, believe in a deity that observes and knows everyone's actions and thoughts. Yet, most people, even religious people, do not always function as if this is true. Why not? This podcast will examine, through the sources, how much God is truly watching each person daily, and how people should behave on a regular basis, as a result.

If a person became aware that he or she was constantly being watched on camera, 24/7, beyond the most intimate reality show, then anyone's behavior might or would change radically. And, yet, most religions, including Judaism, believe in a deity that observes and knows everyone's actions and thoughts. Yet, most people, even religious people, do not always function as if this is true. Why not? This podcast will examine, through the sources, how much God is truly watching each person daily, and how people should behave on a regular basis, as a result.

If Jews, even very knowledgeable Jews, had to choose the most important day of the Jewish year, there would be wide disagreement ,which day of the year it is. This is not merely an esoteric question, as the answer, according to the Rabbis, has many very practical ramifications. This podcase will examine both the sources and those ramifications today. The conclusions will surprise many of the listeners.

If Jews, even very knowledgeable Jews, had to choose the most important day of the Jewish year, there would be wide disagreement ,which day of the year it is. This is not merely an esoteric question, as the answer, according to the Rabbis, has many very practical ramifications. This podcase will examine both the sources and those ramifications today. The conclusions will surprise many of the listeners.

After the age of Jewish prophecy ended, which was the main method of God's communication to man, does God communicate with human beings today, and, if so, how? This podcast will examine how God today indeed sends every human being many messages, and how can each person detect and understand these messages, according to traditional Jewish sources.

After the age of Jewish prophecy ended, which was the main method of God's communication to man, does God communicate with human beings today, and, if so, how? This podcast will examine how God today indeed sends every human being many messages, and how can each person detect and understand these messages, according to traditional Jewish sources.

Unity within any group seems to be important and a goal, but the concept of unity is difficult to define. And why is unity, that seems to be the ideal, so difficult to achieve in practice.? What is ideal unity in traditional Judaism? How can and should people who disagree become unified? What is the difference between unity and uniformity? This podcast will analyze these questions through traditional Jewish sources.

Unity within any group seems to be important and a goal, but the concept of unity is difficult to define. And why is unity, that seems to be the ideal, so difficult to achieve in practice.? What is ideal unity in traditional Judaism? How can and should people who disagree become unified? What is the difference between unity and uniformity? This podcast will analyze these questions through traditional Jewish sources.

True leaders seem to be harder to find today than in previous generations, while leaders, in general, are less respected than in the past. What exactly is a true leader? How is the ideal Jewish leader different from general leaders in today's society? This podcast will explore these questions through an analysis of different personalities and leaders in the Torah.

True leaders seem to be harder to find today than in previous generations, while leaders, in general, are less respected than in the past. What exactly is a true leader? How is the ideal Jewish leader different from general leaders in today's society? This podcast will explore these questions through an analysis of different personalities and leaders in the Torah.

The concepts of retirement from work and pensions are less than 150 years old, and yet, traditional Judaism has much to say about this issue, even found in the Torah itself, given 3300 years ago. Should a person, perfectly capable, be forced to retire at a certain age, in order to make way for the next generation -- or not? Traditional Judaism has much to say about the issues of retirement and the post-retirement years, which this podcast will explore.

The concepts of retirement from work and pensions are less than 150 years old, and yet, traditional Judaism has much to say about this issue, even found in the Torah itself, given 3300 years ago. Should a person, perfectly capable, be forced to retire at a certain age, in order to make way for the next generation -- or not? Traditional Judaism has much to say about the issues of retirement and the post-retirement years, which this podcast will explore.

Of all the creatures on earth, only human beings can have a true relationship with their grandchildren. Why is this so, and what are the implications of this phenomenon? What should be the relationship of Jewish grandparents and grandchildren, and why? How is the Jewish view different from the western view and why? What do Jewish grandparents owe their grandchildren, and what do Jewish grandchildren owe their grandparents? Is there a difference between grandparents and great-grandparents in Judaism? The answers may surprise the listener. This podcast will address all these practical issues.

Of all the creatures on earth, only human beings can have a true relationship with their grandchildren. Why is this so, and what are the implications of this phenomenon? What should be the relationship of Jewish grandparents and grandchildren, and why? How is the Jewish view different from the western view and why? What do Jewish grandparents owe their grandchildren, and what do Jewish grandchildren owe their grandparents? Is there a difference between grandparents and great-grandparents in Judaism? The answers may surprise the listener. This podcast will address all these practical issues.

Every person has a negative emotional reaction upon seeing a person or a creature who is truly ugly. But why is this so? How is ugliness defined, and is it subjective or objective? How does Judaism teach a Jew to react upon seeing such a person or creature? This podcast will give surprising answers to these questions.

Every person has a negative emotional reaction upon seeing a person or a creature who is truly ugly. But why is this so? How is ugliness defined, and is it subjective or objective? How does Judaism teach a Jew to react upon seeing such a person or creature? This podcast will give surprising answers to these questions.

In every field, but especially in medicine, there is always greater demand for services, money and other resources than are available. Every society, therefore, has to decide which specific areas (of a budget, for example) and which people take priority. This concept is popularly called “triage.” Specifically, if people are dying, who gets the life saving measure first? But this concept also affect everyday behavior such as which person in the dentist's waiting room should be taken first? Traditional Jewish thought has very definite views about this issue, which is discussed constantly in the 21st century.

In every field, but especially in medicine, there is always greater demand for services, money and other resources than are available. Every society, therefore, has to decide which specific areas (of a budget, for example) and which people take priority. This concept is popularly called “triage.” Specifically, if people are dying, who gets the life saving measure first? But this concept also affect everyday behavior such as which person in the dentist's waiting room should be taken first? Traditional Jewish thought has very definite views about this issue, which is discussed constantly in the 21 st century.

Everything on earth is affected by time, but no species other than man is aware of time. Why is this so? What is specifically Jewish about time that makes it more holy than Jewish space? How do the commandments show that God wanted Jews to sensitize themselves to time? How does a traditional Jew, then, automatically become super sensitive to time? This podcast will answer these questions through Torah and traditional Jewish sources.

Everything on earth is affected by time, but no species other than man is aware of time. Why is this so? What is specifically Jewish about time that makes it more holy than Jewish space? How do the commandments show that God wanted Jews to sensitize themselves to time? How does a traditional Jew, then, automatically become super sensitive to time? This podcast will answer these questions through Torah and traditional Jewish sources.

Of the millions species in the world, only man can communicate fully with others using the vehicle of speech alone. The power of speech can be and often is more powerful than all man's physical activities. How and why is this the case? Why is speech so potentially dangerous? How does this attribute make man more God-like, and why is speech especially important for the Jew? This podcast will tackle all of these difficult issues from a traditional Jewish perspective.