What Does Judaism Say About...?

This podcast will examine why hatred is common in the 21st century, what is the Jewish definition of hatred. It will also examine through traditional Jewish sources, when it is permitted to hate others and it is even a Mitzvah-commandment to do so.

This podcast will examine why hatred is common in the 21st century, what is the Jewish definition of hatred. It will also examine through traditional Jewish sources, when it is permitted to hate others and it is even a Mitzvah-commandment to do so.

This is a a continuation of the previous podcast. It has been said that for believers in a just and “fair” God, thy have to explain and come to grips with one overarching question:  how God could let good people suffer and evil people prosper and seem to be “rewarded” for their actions. (for the non-believer in God, he or she has to explain everything else about “why” in the world). This podcast will take the “dangerous” and ultimately “impossible” challenge of trying to formulate possible Jewish responses and understandings of the issue, based on the sources. Five different approaches will be examined, with the final three in this podcast.

This is a a continuation of the previous podcast. It has been said that for believers in a just and “fair” God, thy have to explain and come to grips with one overarching question:  how God could let good people suffer and evil people prosper and seem to be “rewarded” for their actions. (for the non-believer in God, he or she has to explain everything else about “why” in the world). This podcast will take the “dangerous” and ultimately “impossible” challenge of trying to formulate possible Jewish responses and understandings of the issue, based on the sources. Five different approaches will be examined, with the final three in this podcast.

It has been said that for believers in a just and “fair” God, thy have to explain and come to grips with one overarching question:  how God could let good people suffer and evil people prosper and seem to be “rewarded” for their actions. (for the non-believer in God, he or she has to explain everything else about “why” in the world). This podcast will take the “dangerous” and ultimately “impossible” challenge of trying to formulate possible Jewish responses and understandings of the issue, based on the sources, Five different approaches will be examined, with the first two in this podcast.

It has been said that for believers in a just and “fair” God, thy have to explain and come to grips with one overarching question:  how God could let good people suffer and evil people prosper and seem to be “rewarded” for their actions. (for the non-believer in God, he or she has to explain everything else about “why” in the world). This podcast will take the “dangerous” and ultimately “impossible” challenge of trying to formulate possible Jewish responses and understandings of the issue, based on the sources, Five different approaches will be examined, with the first two in this podcast.

This podcast will explain the significance And deeper meaning of the values and law o this three week period leading up to the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. It will also discuss why the Rabbis set aside an entire  day to mourn for a building destroyed nearly 2000 years ago, and why a parallel day of mourning on the Jewish calendar is not set side for the Holocaust.

This podcast will explain the significance And deeper meaning of the values and law o this three week period leading up to the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. It will also discuss why the Rabbis set aside an entire  day to mourn for a building destroyed nearly 2000 years ago, and why a parallel day of mourning  on the Jewish calendar is not set side for the Holocaust.

While it is impossible to prove or disprove God's existence through the scientific method, since God is not a physical being and science only exists in the physical world, nevertheless, rational arguments for and against the existence of God have been put forward. This podcast will examine these ideas and also show that logically the Torah could not have been written by one or a group of human beings.

While it is impossible to prove or disprove God's existence through the scientific method, since God is not a physical being and science only exists in the physical world, nevertheless, rational arguments for and against the existence of God have been put forward. This podcast will examine these ideas and also show that logically the Torah could not have been written by one or a group of human beings.

Although cloning has been successful in animals and is currently forbidden in humans, the ‎technology is still in its infancy. If cloning can eliminate human diseases through gene manipulation, ‎should it be permitted or encouiraged? If it can produce super athletes or super-geniuses, should that ‎be allowed? What is the relationship of two human clones - brothers, parent and child or none of ‎these? Would reproducing a human without sex even be considered human? This podcast will analyze ‎each of these dilemmas from a Jewish perspective.‎

Although cloning has been successful in animals and is currently forbidden in humans, the ‎technology is still in its infancy. If cloning can eliminate human diseases through gene manipulation, ‎should it be permitted or encouiraged? If it can produce super athletes or super-geniuses, should that ‎be allowed? What is the relationship of two human clones - brothers, parent and child or none of ‎these? Would reproducing a human without sex even be considered human? This podcast will analyze ‎each of these dilemmas from a Jewish perspective.‎

Is it permitted to open up a similar business or work near an existing enterprise? Is this limiting competition or making it free and open to all as part of capitalism? Judaism will examine these and other issues regarding competing endeavors, and show when it is permitted and when it is forbidden in traditional Jewish thought.

Is it permitted to open up a similar business or work near an existing enterprise? Is this limiting competition or making it free and open to all as part of capitalism? Judaism will examine these and other issues regarding competing endeavors, and show when it is permitted and when it is forbidden in traditional Jewish thought.

The human need to compete is basic to his or her being. Most of the first few stories in the Torah involve competition. However, this drive should be minimized if it causes harm. This podcast will distinguish between “good competition” and “bad competition” in Judaism, and show practical applications of these ideas in daily life.

Although by definition, a Mitzvah-commandment leaves little room for choice and free will, this one commandment only, Tzedaka-charity. is allowed to be performed conditionally, i.e., for ulterior motives. Why is this so and the unique cosmic power of this particular commandment will be the subject of this podcast.

Although by definition. a Mitzvah-commandment leaves little room for choice and free will, this one commandment only, Tzedaka-charity. is allowed to be performed conditionally, i.e., for ulterior motives. Why is this so and the unique cosmic power of this particular commandment will be the subject of this podcast.

The holiday of Shavuot, the day God gave the Jews to the Torah-Ten Commandments, is so uniquely different from the other two Jewish Pilgrim Festivals of Passover and Sukkot, that many questions related to this one day holiday need to be understood. This podcast will examine these, as well as the unique customs of Shavuot such as eating dairy and decorating the synagogue, as well as the Jewish concepts of preparation, and beginnings and completions.

The holiday of Shavuot, the day God gave the Jews to the Torah-Ten Commandments, is so uniquely different from the other two Jewish Pilgrim Festivals of Passover and Sukkot, that many questions related to this one day holiday need to be understood. This podcast will examine these, as well as the unique customs of Shavuot such as eating dairy and decorating the synagogue, as well as the Jewish concepts of preparation, and beginnings and completions.

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.