We're in a Tal-Mood
Don't mess with us...
Or check out the episode on YouTube here
If you spend time on X/Twitter (which I would never waste my time doing), you’ve probably seen a bunch of internet morons talking about how “they’ve read the Talmud and here’s this horrendous thing it says.” Today, we discuss why they are full of nonsense (this is family programming).
But first, we begin discussing a recent Pew Research poll that shows that the decades-long slimming of American religious affiliation may have seen a stemming of the tide, especially among younger people. I asked the rabbi if he had seen this among the Chosen People.
We then move into the Talmud by discussing its structure and the central role it plays in Judaism. We delve into the complexities of Talmud study, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation, respect in disagreements, and the intricate nature of Jewish law. The Rabbi introduces us to the concept of “the meandering Talmud,” its purpose in legal arguments, and the balance between human interpretation and divine will.
We close out the episode by discussing a typical Talmudic story, The Oven of Akhnai, and how a typical Talmudic story analysis would occur.
Links from the episode:
I was driving home from work (I am a Jewish studies teacher in Melbourne Australia by the way) and was listening to this episode, and, Chaya Leah when you father told the story of the Bibas grandfather learning to deal with his pain I just wept, right there in my car. So deeply moving. And then I kept listening and loved so much every single thing about this episode. Not only the wisdom of the Talmud teaching (which I am pretty illiterate in, I mostly teach Jewish history and some Torah text) but the singsong of your fathers tone that feel so familiar. From tears to a big smile. What a gift! תודה
Your pod is such a good antidote to my political news addiction. You're all great!