The Podcast of Jewish Ideas
The Podcast of Jewish Ideas explores central concepts in Jewish thought and tradition. Each episode, presented by Torah in Motion, examines the big questions, texts, and debates that have shaped Jewish intellectual life. It aims to make classic Jewish ideas accessible to a broad audience. The show provides a space for thoughtful discussion of Jewish philosophy, ethics, and theology.
Episodes
97. Jonathan Sacks | Dr. Raphael Zarum (Anglo-Judaism #5)
Does this one really need a description? You know the man. Now learn some more about his ideas and impact. This series is generously sponsored by Larry and Sarah Krauss in honour and gratitude to Larry's mother, Kato Krauss, and in loving memory of his father, Nathan "Noteh" Krauss. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sarah’s father, Joe Casse. Yosef ben Zvi v’Koyna.Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum
96. Louis Jacobs | Dr. Miri Freud-Kandel (Anglo-Judaism #4)
J.J. and Dr. Miri Freud-Kandel on the twentieth century's most influential, interesting, and controversial Mancunian Jew. This series is generously sponsored by Larry and Sarah Krauss in honour and gratitude to Larry's mother, Kato Krauss, and in loving memory of his father, Nathan "Noteh" Krauss. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sarah’s father, Joe Casse. Yosef ben Zvi v’Koyna.Dr. Miri
95. JH Hertz and his Pentateuch | Dr. Benjamin Elton (Anglo-Judaism #3)
J.J. and Dr. Benjamin Elton comment on one of Britain's most influential chief rabbis. This series is generously sponsored by Larry and Sarah Krauss in honour and gratitude to Larry's mother, Kato Krauss, and in loving memory of his father, Nathan "Noteh" Krauss. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sarah’s father, Joe Casse. Yosef ben Zvi v’Koyna.Benjamin Elton read history at Queens’ Colle
94. Claude Montefiore and Liberal Judaism | Dr. Edward Kessler (Anglo-Judaism #2)
J.J. and Dr. Edward Kessler progress through the history of Liberal Judaism and its promethian founder, Claude Montefiore. This series is generously sponsored by Larry and Sarah Krauss in honour and gratitude to Larry's mother, Kato Krauss, and in loving memory of his father, Nathan "Noteh" Krauss. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sarah’s father, Joe Casse. Yosef ben Zvi v’Koyna.Dr Edwar
93. The English Haskalah | Dr. David Ruderman (Anglo-Judaism #1)
J.J. and Dr. David Ruderman open our series with a discussion about the unique character and interesting characters of the Jewish Enlightenment in England. This series is generously sponsored by Larry and Sarah Krauss in honour and gratitude to Larry's mother, Kato Krauss, and in loving memory of his father, Nathan "Noteh" Krauss. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sarah’s father, Joe Cass
92. Analytic Philosophy (Repent!): Dr. Noam Oren
J.J. and Dr. Noam Oren bridge the gap between the analytic philosophical tradition and the Jewish one. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints
91. The Halakhic Man | Dr. Lawrence Kaplan
J.J. and Dr. Lawrence Kaplan analyze the life and thought of Joseph B. Soloveichik through the lens of Halakha.The new edition of Halakhic Man (edited, annotated, and introduced by Dr. Kaplan) is available for purchase here: LinkIf you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.s
90. Joseph B. Soloveichik's Existentialism | Dr. Daniel Rynhold
J.J. and Dr. Daniel Rynhold discuss lonely and halakhic men and minds. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@tor
89. The Rashbam | Dr. Martin Lockshin
J.J. and Dr. Martin Lockshin discuss the (not so) plain and simple ideas of Rabbi Samuel ben Meir of Troyes, a leading Tosafist and grandson to Rashi. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podc
88. Walter Benjamin | Dr. Vivian Liska
J.J. and Dr. Vivian Liska border on the sublime in their discussion of the life and thought of this German-Jewish thinker. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We we
87. Sefer Yosippon | Dr. Carson Bay
J.J. and Dr. Carson Bay crack open this recondite work of Jewish history and myth-making . If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and complim
86. The Meaning of Life | Dr. Alan Mittleman
J.J. and Dr. Alan Mittleman make meaning out of a moment (or two). How does the Jewish tradition handle the big existential question? What does this all mean? Why are we here? If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review
85. Halakhic Codes & Responsa | Dr. Chaim Saiman
J.J. and Dr. Chaim Saiman compare the two dominant modes of Jewish legal transmission, and put them in conversation with global legal traditions. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast a
84. The Mesorah & the Masoretes | Dr. David Moster
J.J. and Dr. David Moster take a trip deep down into the tradition of our tradition in search of the true text of the Bible. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We
83. The Biblical Canon(s) | Dr. Hindy Najman
J.J. and Dr. Hindy Najman on authorship, authority, and the creation of the Jewish canon. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and complime
82. Zechariah al-Dhahiri | Dr. Adena Tanenbaum
J.J. and Dr. Adena Tanenbaum unravel the dynamics of late medieval and early modern Jewish intellectual life in Yemen. This episode is sponsored by the Touro Graduate School of Jewish Studies, a leading academic program in Jewish Studies. For information on admission and course offerings, including generous scholarships, please visit gsjs.touro.edu/history/ or get in touch by calling 212-463-0400,
81. The Revolutions of 1782 | Dr. Shmuel Feiner
J.J. and Dr. Shmuel Feiner tell tales of 1782 CE, a turning point in Modern Jewish History. This episode is sponsored by the Touro Graduate School of Jewish Studies, a leading academic program in Jewish Studies. For information on admission and course offerings, including generous scholarships, please visit gsjs.touro.edu/history/ or get in touch by calling 212-463-0400, ext. 55580 or emailing kar
80. Contemporary Attitudes | Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein (Universalism & Particularism #5)
J.J. and Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein stay current. They discuss 21st century Jewish thinkers like Jonathan Sacks, Irving Greenberg, and Goshen-Gottstein himself. This is the fifth and final episode in our miniseries about universalism and particularism in Judaism. Over the course of the series we explored and complicated Jewish attitudes to these ideas across the centuries. Follow us on Bluesky @jew
79. Early Modern Attitudes | Dr. Jeremy Fogel (Universalism & Particularism #4)
J.J. and Dr. Jeremy Fogel reflect on the oneness of nature, the nature of oneness, and particularism vs. universalism in the thought of Benedict Spinoza, Moses Mendellsohn, and Hermann Cohen. This is the fourth episode in our miniseries about universalism and particularism in Judaism. Over the course of the series we will explore and complicate Jewish attitudes to these categories across the centu
78. Medieval Attitudes | Dr. Menachem Kellner (Universalism & Particularism #3)
J.J. and Dr. Menachem Kellner pitch Maimonides against Judah HaLevi and explore the extremes of Jewish universalism and particularism in the middle ages. Thank you to Kestenbaum and Co. for sponsoring today's episode!Click here to see the auction catalogue and place your bids on rare Judaica and Hebraica. This is the third episode in our miniseries about universalism and particularism in Judaism.
77. Rabbinic Attitudes | Dr. Marc Hirshman (Universalism & Particularism #2)
J.J. and Dr. Marc Hirshman dissect the schools of R. Akiva and R. Yishmael to understand the central rabbinic arguments about universalism and particularism. This is the second episode in our miniseries about universalism and particularism in Judaism. Over the course of the series we will explore and complicate Jewish attitudes to these categories across the centuries. Follow us on Bluesky @jewish
76. Biblical Attitudes | Dr. Ethan Schwartz (Universalism & Particularism #1)
J.J. and Dr. Ethan Schwartz explore the categories of religious universalism and particularism in the Bible.This is the first episode in our miniseries about universalism and particularism in Judaism. Over the course of the series we will explore and complicate Jewish attitudes to these categories across the centuries. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Pleas
75. The Book of Ben Sira | Dr. Michael Satlow
J.J. and Dr. Michael Satlow offer an authentic account of this apocryphal book of wisdom literature. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsProfessor Michael L. Satlow (
74. The Global Haskalah | Dr. Lital Levy
J.J. and Dr. Lital Levy explore the Jewish Nahda, and the border-ignoring breadth of the Haskalah. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsLital Levy is Associate Profess
73. Offerings & Sacrifices | Dr. Shlomo Zuckier
J.J. and Dr. Shlomo Zuckier offer up some sweet-smelling insight into the history and future of sacrifices. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsShlomo Zuckier is a Re
72. Piyyut & Midrash | Dr. Tzvi Novick
J.J. and Dr. Tzvi Novick talk prayer, poetry, homily, and some very-old-fashioned exegesis. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsTzvi Novick is the Abrams Professor of
71. Heinrich Graetz | Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger
J.J. and Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger discuss the work and impact of the most influential Jewish Historian since Josephus. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsJeffrey C. Blu
70. Jewish Neoplatonism | Dr. Sarah Pessin
J.J. and Dr. Sarah Pessin overflow with curiosity about the poetic philosophy of the Medieval Jewish Neoplatonists. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsSarah Pessin i
69. American-Israeli Thought | Dr. Adam Ferziger
J.J. and Dr. Adam Ferziger crisscross the Atlantic to better understand the influence of American Orthodoxy on Israel, and vice versa. Buy the book: Agents of Change by Dr. Adam FerzigerFollow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.or
68. Yitzchak Hutner | Dr. Alon Shalev
J.J. and Dr. Alon Shalev discuss the iconoclastic ideas and character of Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsAlon Shalev is a Research Fellow a
67. Natural Law & Judaism | Dr. David Novak
J.J. and Dr. David Novak hike through the forest of Natural Law, and stop to examine some (Jewish) trees therein. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsDavid Novak is a
66. Hasidei Ashkenaz | Dr. Talya Fishman
J.J. and Dr. Talya Fishman whip themselves up into a frenzy over the thought and influence of the pietists of the Medieval Rhineland. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podc
65. Heidegger & Kabbalah | Dr. Elliot Wolfson
J.J. and Dr. Elliot Wolfson are just two beings talking about being, time, and Jewish mysticism in the thought of Martin Heidegger. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcas
64. Modern Hebrew & The Yeshiva | Dr. Marina Zilbergerts
J.J. and Dr. Marina Zilbergerts study the birth of modern Hebrew for its own sake. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsDr. Marina Zilbergerts is a scholar of Jewish l
63. Mysticism & Hasidism | Dr. Rachel Elior
J.J. and Dr. Rachel Elior make sharp distinctions between mysticism, Hasidism, and Sabbateanism. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsRachel Elior is the John and Gold
62. The Buber-Rosenzweig Bible | Dr. Abigail Gillman
J.J. and Dr. Abigail Gillman interpret the ideas and impact of the Buber-Rosenzweig Bible translation. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsAbigail Gillman is a Profes
61. Franz Rosenzweig | Dr. Paul Franks
J.J. and Dr. Paul Franks systematically consider Franz Rosenzweig in all his existential and idealistic glory. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsPaul Franks is Robe
60. Martin Buber | Dr. Samuel Brody
J.J. and Dr. Samuel Brody assess the original ideas and monumental influence of this 20th century thinker and leader. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsSamuel Hayim
59. Talmudic Women | Gila Fine
J.J. and Gila Fine analyze the literary character of Talmudic women and uncover a counter history of Bruriah. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates and insights!Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice.We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsNoam Zadoff is Assis
58. Scholem's Postmortem | Dr. Noam Zadoff (Shabbetai Tzevi #5)
J.J. and Dr. Noam Zadoff methodically demistify Gershom Scholem's iconoclastic but influential views about Sabbateanism and its causal connection to just about every contemporary element of Jewish life. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates about messiahs, true and false. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and comp
57. Frank & Frankism | Dr. Pawel Maciejko (Shabbetai Tzevi #4)
J.J. and Dr. Pawel Maciejko conspire to bring you an episode about a small but mighty sub-sect of Sabbateanism. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates about messiahs, true and false. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcast
56. Emden vs. Eybeschutz | Dr. Maoz Kahana (Shabbetai Tzevi #3)
J.J. and Dr. Maoz Kahana are at Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek's biggest fight night. This Rabbinic brawl over Sabbateanism in the 18th century bruised Jewish leaders all over Europe. Follow us on Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates about messiahs, true and false. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahi
55. Jacob Sasportas | Dr. Yaacob Dweck (Shabbetai Tzevi #2)
J.J. and Dr. Yaacob Dweck Introduce us to the critic-in-chief of the Sabbatean movement in the 17th century: Rabbi Jacob Sasportas. This is episode 2 or our mini-series about Sabbateanism and its afterlife. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod and Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates about messiahs, true and false. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choi
54. Shabbetai & Sabbateanism | Dr. Matt Goldish (Shabbetai Tzevi #1)
J.J. and Dr. Matt Goldish Introduce us to Shabbetai Tzevi and his cadre of prophets and promoters. This is episode 1 or our mini-series about Sabbateanism and its afterlife. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod and Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social for updates about messiahs, true and false. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and
53. The New Mishnah | Dr. Eliav Grossman
J.J. and Dr. Eliav Grossman bravely explore a new (old) frontier in Jewish thought. The mysterious time between the closing of the Babylonian Talmud and the rise of the Geonim. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod and Bluesky @jewishideaspod.bsky.social to discover new arenas for Jewish discourse. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints
52. Ahad Ha'Am | Dr. Steven Zipperstein
J.J. and Dr. Steven Zipperstein capture the essence and relevance of this elusive visionary. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to see the realization of Ahad Ha'Am's pessimistic prophesies. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsSteven J
51. The Binding of Isaac | Dr. Aaron Koller
J.J. and Dr. Aaron Koller tremble in fear of this awesome Biblical episode, but they still manage to discuss fascinating theological and historical interpretations of the story. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to sacrifice time on the altar of scrolling. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmoti
50. The Haskalah Reconsidered | Dr. Olga Litvak
J.J. and Dr. Olga Litvak take the express from Berlin to Eastern Europe in search of the real Jewish enlightenment. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to challenge the intellectual geography of other listeners. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.
49. Emmanuel Levinas | Dr. Sarah Hammerschlag
J.J. and Dr. Sarah Hammerschlag encounter a phenomenal high-school principal and genius: Emmanuel Levinas. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to converse with Other listeners. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsSarah Hammerschlag is t
48. Abraham Ibn Ezra's Commentary | Dr. Sara Labaton
J.J. and Dr. Sara Labaton dive into the mysteries of Ibn Ezra’s revolutionary commentary on the Bible. This is episode 2 of our series on the ideas of Abraham Ibn Ezra. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to converse with other listeners about secret hermeneutics.Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahi
47. Abraham Ibn Ezra's Philosophy | Dr. Tzvi Langermann
J.J. and Dr. Tzvi Langermann enumerate many of the Ibn Ezra's most fascinating philosophical ideas. This is episode 1 of our series on the ideas of Abraham Ibn Ezra. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into spats with other listeners about Arithmology or Astrology. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcas
46. Hermann Cohen | Dr. Shira Billet
J.J. and Dr. Shira Billet make sense of this remarkable Jewish idealist. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into spats with other listeners about (Neo-)Kantian epistemology and ethics. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsShira B
45. Rabbis & Christians | Dr. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal
J.J. and Dr. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal meditate on Talmudic responses to Christianity. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into arguments with other listeners about Monks, The Talmud, and Kabbalah. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podca
44. The Rebbe | Dr. Yosef Bronstein
J.J. and Dr. Yosef Bronstein resurrect some of the most fascinating ideas that animated the thought of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the 7th Lubavitcher Rebbe. This is part three of our mini-series on the intellectual history of Chabad Hasidut.Thank you to Rabbi Gary Huber for sponsoring this mini-series! If you would like to support us directly please shoot us an email or visit torahinmotion.
43. Chabad’s Bridge Figure | Dr. Reuven Leigh
J.J. and Dr. Reuven Leigh finally bring Chabad into the 20th century! They inspect the life and thought of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe–Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn. This is part two of our mini-series on the intellectual history of Chabad Hasidut. Thank you to Rabbi Gary Huber for sponsoring this mini-series! If you would like to support us directly please shoot us an email or visit torahinmoti
42. The Father of Chabad | Dr. Eli Rubin
J.J. and Dr. Eli Rubin revel in the traditional and rebellious thought of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, author of The Tanya, and first Rebbe of the Chabad Hasidic sect. Thank you to Rabbi Gary Huber for sponsoring this mini-series! If you would like to support us directly please shoot us an email or visit torahinmotion.org/donateFollow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to argue with fellow listen
41. Ethics of the Fathers | Dr. Yair Furstenberg
J.J. and Dr. Yair Furstenberg contextualize the ethical teachings of the Tannaim. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into arguments with other listeners about Seneca and Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/pod
40. The Tosafists | Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel
J.J. and Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel comment on the happenings in Medieval Ashkenaz and add their spin on to the era of the Tosafists. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into arguments with other listeners about Rabbeinu Tam or the Rash MiSchantz. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFo
39. Free Will | Dr. Aaron Segal
J.J. and Dr. Aaron Segal freely choose to wade through the murky medieval and contemporary debates over the existence of free will. Follow us on Twitter (X) @JewishIdeas_Pod to get into public arguments about Crescas and Spinoza. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit to
38. Athens in Jerusalem | Dr. Jacob Howland
J.J. and Dr. Jacob Howland round up a storm of fascinating comparisons between Talmudic and Platonic methods of discourse. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsJacob Howland is Provost and Dean of the Intellectual Foundations Program at the Un
37. Wissenschaft des Judentums | Dr. David Myers
J.J. and Dr. David Myers scientifically examine the thought and legacy of the Wissenschaft des Judentums movement. Please rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!We welcome all complaints and compliments at podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsDavid N. Myers is Distinguished Professor of History and holds the Sady and Ludwig KahnChai
36. The Talmud in Context | Dr. Shai Secunda
J.J. and Dr. Shai Secunda set Talmudic discourse ablaze. They put the Talmud in its Zoroastrian and Sasanian context, and have bloody good discussion about how Judaism interacted with its socio-religious environment in the first few centuries of the Common Era. Don't forget to rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torah
35. Jews & The Italian Renaissance | Dr. Joanna Weinberg
J.J. and Dr. Joanna Weinberg make their way back to sunny 15th century Italy and the surrounding centuries to visit some of the more interesting Jewish characters of the Italian Renaissance. They weave their way through cross-cultural influences and intra-cultural tensions during this remarkable era of rebirth. Don't forget to rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice!Please s
34. Josephus | Dr. Martin Goodman
J.J. and Dr. Martin Goodman go antiquing! They discuss the most important Jewish historian of the Roman period–Josephus Flavius. What did he write? Who was he writing for? And what ideological framework motivated his histories? Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsMartin Goodman is Emeritus Professor of Jewish S
33. Abraham Geiger | Dr. Susannah Heschel
J.J. and Dr. Susannah Heschel survey the fascinating life and brilliant ideas of Abraham Geiger. This guy was flagrantly influential. A practicing rabbi, a leader in the Wissenschaft das Judentums movement and a founder of Islamic studies in Europe, he was on the intellectual vanguard of the 19th century Reform movement, so strap in for a great conversation. Please send any complaints or complimen
32. Spinoza's Reception and Relevance | Dr. Daniel Schwartz
J.J. and Dr. Daniel Schwartz examine the convoluted legacy and enduring relevance of Spinoza.Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the second episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza.Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsDaniel B. Schwartz is a professor of modern Jewish Euro
31. Spinoza's Theology and Politics | Dr. Yitzhak Melamed
J.J. and Dr. Yitzhak Melamed untangle Spinoza's famed Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and assess the religiosity of its author, a supposed atheist. Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the second episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza.Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsY
30. Spinoza's Life and Ethics | Dr. Rebecca Goldstein
Dr. Rebecca Goldstein and J.J. communicate the story of Spinoza's herem and outline the radicalism of his Ethics. Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the first episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza.Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsRebecca Newberger Goldstein graduat
29. Rashi's Torah | Dr. Eric Lawee
J.J. and Dr. Eric Lawee comment on Rashi's astounding career, and refuse to gloss over his contentious journey to join the Jewish canon. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsEric Lawee is a professor in the Department of Bible at Bar-Ilan University, where he teaches the history of Jewish biblical scholarship.
28. Ecclesiastes | Dr. Menachem Fisch
J.J. and Dr. Menachem Fisch decided that this is the time for studying the philosophy of the book of Qohelet, and they don't study it in vain. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsMenachem Fisch is the Joseph and Ceil Mazer Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy of Science at Tel Aviv University and Co-Dir
27. Philo of Alexandria | Dr. Maren Niehoff
J.J. and Dr. Maren Niehoff comment on Philo's ideas and attempt to weave him back into the fabric of Jewish history. Send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsBefore joining the Dept. of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Maren R. Niehoff was a Junior Fellow at Harvard and received her doctorate and MA fr
26. Declaring Israel | Dr. Neil Rogachevsky
J.J. and Dr. Neil Rogachevsky skip down the winding (theoretical) road towards Israeli independence, and tell the story of the drafting of Ben Gurion's declaration of independence. Send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsNeil Rogachevsky is assistant professor and associate director at the Straus Center of Yeshiva Univers
25. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto | Dr. Jonathan Garb
J.J. and Dr. Jonathan Garb march down the various paths of the Ram"chal's thought, and straighten out some mysteries of his life, thought, and reception.Send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsJonathan Garb is the Gershom Scholem Professor of Kabbalah in the Department of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusal
24. Copernicus and the Jews | Dr. Jeremy Brown
J.J. and Dr. Jeremy Brown circulate some of the Jewish responses to Copernicus.Jeremy Brown is the author of New Heavens and a New Earth; The Jewish Reception of Copernican Thought (Oxford University Press 2013) and Influenza; The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History (Simon and Schuster 2018). He is an emergency physician and Director of the Office of Emergency Care Research
23. Tzimtzum | Dr. Christoph Schulte
J.J. and Dr. Christoph Schulte contract a serious case of mystical curiousity, and diminish the mysteries around the idea of Tzimtzum. Prof. Dr. Christoph Schulte is Professor of Philosophy and Jewish Studies at theUniversity of Potsdam since 2001 and for many years head of the Department of Jewish andReligious Studies. He studied Philosophy, Jewish Studies, Theology and Journalism in Heidelberg,B
22. Jewish Apologetics | Dr. Samuel Lebens
J.J. and Dr. Sam Lebens prove God?! (Or at least, they discuss the history of some Jewish arguments for God.)Samuel Lebens is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Haifa. He works in a wide array of philosophical fields including metaphysics, epistemology, the philosophy of fiction, and most centrally, the philosophy of religion. His recent books include, The Principles of Judaism
21. Leo Strauss | Dr. Leora Batnitzky
J.J. and Dr. Leora Batnitzky look for hidden truths in Strauss' thought. Dr. Leora Batnitzky is the Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish studies and professor of religion at Princeton University. She is the author of Leo Strauss and Emmanuel Levinas: Philosophy and the Politics of Revelation and Idolatry and Representation: The Philosophy of Franz Rosenzweig Reconsidered (Princeton).If you or yo
20. The Zohar | Dr. Daniel Matt
J.J. and Dr. Daniel Matt become wiser and gain understanding while discussing the Kabbalistic ideas of The Zohar . Daniel Matt is a prominent scholar of Kabbalah and the Zohar. He has been featured in Time and Newsweek and on National Public Radio. His books include The Essential Kabbalah (translated into eight languages), Zohar: Annotated and Explained, and God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmo
19. Anti-Maimonides | Dr. Tamar Rudavsky
J.J. and Dr. Tamar Rudavsky trace the responses to Maimonides among Medieval Jewish Philosophers. T.M. Rudavsky is Professor of Philosophy at The Ohio State University. She specializes in medieval Jewish philosophy and has edited three volumes: Divine Omniscience and Omnipotence in Medieval Philosophy: Islamic, Jewish, and Christian Perspectives(1984), Gender and Judaism: The Transformation of Tra
18. The German Haskalah | Dr. Michah Gottlieb
J.J. and Dr. Michah Gottlieb shed light on the origins of the Haskalah in Berlin, and examine Mendelssohn's role in it. Michah Gottlieb is Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Jewish Thought and Philosophy at NYU. An expert on the German Haskalah and its reverberations, he has authored several books and dozens of articles. His books include *Faith and: Moses Mendelssohn’s Theolo
