S3E2 · · 49:03
Gemara learning dominates the Centrist Orthodox Yeshiva curriculum. Do Centrist Orthodox Yeshivot approach Gemara differently than their Chareidi counterparts? Are there varied persp...
S3E1 · · 49:42
How should we understand the central role of the Talmud Bavli in Chareidi communities? What are the goals of the 'Ivies' of the Yeshiva World? How does intensive focus on the Gemara ...
S2E12 · · 49:45
Many observant Jews have a seder night custom to spill out some wine from their cups during the recitation of the ten plagues. What is the source of this custom? Does it reflect a Je...
S2E11 · · 47:35
This Shabbat, Jews across this world will read the Torah portion describing the requirement to eradicate Amalek. Does this mitzvah have any practical relevance nowadays? What about t...
S2E10 · · 52:30
After serving for many years as a Company Commander in the IDF, Rav Binny Freedman has experienced himself in a new role since October 7th—‘drafted,’ as a grandparent. Like hundreds ...
S2E9 · · 01:01:59
Prior to October 7th, the Israeli political and military establishment mistakenly thought that Hamas was deterred from attacking Israel. What other misconceptions lay behind Israeli ...
S2E8 · · 47:25
Traditional Jewish theology understands that a national crisis can serve as a catalyst for collective reflection and teshuva. What can we learn from the horrors of October 7th? What ...
S2E7 · · 52:27
2023 was one of the most divisive years in Israel's history. Polarization and the debate surrounding the judicial reform lead Israel to the brink of civil war culminating in altercat...
S2E6 · · 01:05:55
Israeli ultra-Orthodoxy has maintained an isolationist stance toward the general public in Israel since the State’s founding. In the aftermath of October 7th, however, segments of th...
S2E5 · · 58:53
In the aftermath of the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7th, anti-semitic incidents have drastically increased worldwide. How should open societies committed to the freedom of ex...
S2E4 · · 55:03
Western media often criticizes the IDF for "collective punishment" and a lack of proportionality in its military response to Hamas’s horrific attacks on October 7th. How are we supp...
S2E3 · · 42:10
What Torah sources can we look to for guidance during our current crisis? How should we understand the rise in global anti-semitism and the shocking support for Hamas on some univers...
S2E2 · · 01:04:26
What is halakha? Is it just a system of law or also a legal medium to discuss some of Judaism's most weighty religious questions? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by ...
S2E1 · · 01:03:27
The study of Gemara dominates the daily schedule of most yeshivot. Beyond yeshiva, Daf Yomi has become an international phenomenon with people taking time out of their daily schedule...
S1E17 · · 57:43
After a survey of different approaches to divine providence in the last episode, Rav Binny Freedman joins Rav David Silverstein to discuss what role theology should play in our lives...
S1E16 · · 58:25
The question of divine providence is one of the most complex questions in Jewish thought, affecting our day-to-day experience of the world. In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is ...
S1E15 · · 51:32
Why is the "Gadol" (great rabbinic figure) so central to many Orthodox communities? Do centrist or liberal Orthodox communities relate differently to Gedolim than their Charedi count...
S1E14 · · 01:10:37
How have new technologies changed people’s relationship to rabbinic authority? How have rabbis responded to these challenges? In this episode Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav E...
S1E13 · · 49:58
If you've enjoyed our podcast, please consider supporting the Yeshiva's annual scholarship campaign and help us ensure that no student in need of financial help is turned away. Thank...
S1E12 · · 55:43
Why isn’t mysticism a more central piece of the contemporary religious experience? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav Dovid’l Weinberg to explore the theological...
S1E11 · · 51:00
In the current Israeli government, a distinct form of messianic religious Zionism is prevalent. However, what are the other religious Zionist models? In this episode, Rav David Silve...
S1E10 · · 56:42
Why isn’t the study of Mussar a more central component of the Orthodox curriculum? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav Judah Dardik to discuss his unique Mussar c...
S1E9 · · 57:13
What makes human beings unique? Does Judaism think that an AI machine can acquire a soul? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Dr. Aaron Segal of Hebrew University to...
S1E8 · · 52:53
Why do Jews pray? Is the prayer experience valuable only to those who have devout faith? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav Dovid'l Weinberg for a discussion abo...
S1E7 · · 36:39
Rabbi Shimon Gershon Rosenberg (Rav Shagar) was one of the most influential Religious Zionist thinkers. In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Yeshivat Orayta alum Rav L...
S1E6 · · 46:23
How are the details of halakhic life related to the Torah's larger vision for society? In this podcast, Rav David Silverstein and Rav Yitzchak Blau address this question while provid...
S1E5 · · 45:14
In a provocative essay, Ben Shapiro claims that "the Torah’s worldview is most valuable precisely where there is controversy." He then accuses Orthodox leaders of an unwillingness to...
S1E4 · · 47:11
Rav Yitzchak Blau and Rav David Silverstein reflect on how their upbringings ground their respective worldviews, chart how their beliefs about belief have shifted over time, and disc...
S1E3 · · 38:33
Israel's Declaration of Independence describes a nation founded on values "as envisaged by the prophets of Israel" yet stops short of any mention of democracy. What does this mean fo...
S1E2 · · 45:03
Rav Dovid'l Weinberg and Rav David Silverstein consider the idiosyncrasies of Rav Kook's writing style and the reasons why his Torah isn't studied widely outside of Israel. Then, the...