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So, what does Judaism say about...?

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Join two rabbis at the University of Pennsylvania, one a Wharton Business School graduate, the other a yeshiva-trained master Talmudist, exploring Torah Judaism's perspective on just about everything in life.

Location:

United States

Description:

Join two rabbis at the University of Pennsylvania, one a Wharton Business School graduate, the other a yeshiva-trained master Talmudist, exploring Torah Judaism's perspective on just about everything in life.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Purim & Drinking

3/7/2024
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique mitzvah of drinking to intoxication on Purim.

Duration:00:22:06

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Blessings of the Shema | Creating Good & Evil

3/7/2024
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox unpack the introductory blessings to the Shema declaration that are recited daily in the morning prayer service. It is the longest blessing in Jewish liturgy, and includes deciphering the idea that God created good and evil, and that they in fact are both rooted and sourced from God.

Duration:00:23:52

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Demons

2/16/2024
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Jewish sources for the existence of demons, including in the Torah itself, as well as the approach many authoritative commentaries have taken to the literal, physical, metaphysical, or allegorical existence of demons. Enjoy! (another shoutout to Rebecca!)

Duration:00:32:13

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Who wrote the Prophets and Writings (and who cares?) | TaNaCH authors

2/12/2024
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the debate about who wrote the books of Prophets and Writings, including the works of King Solomon and King David. A fascinating discussion, as it is not as obvious as it seems, and how this has lead to an overly academic approach to these moral teachings. (Shoutout to Rebecca!)

Duration:00:36:04

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'Tis the season! | Gift-giving in Judaism | Chanukah and beyond

12/22/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the age-old practice of exchanging and giving gifts at seasoned times, like Chanukah and anniversaries. Is giving and receiving gifts a Jewish value or a copy-cat keep up with the Joneses attempt to be like other cultures we see in America?

Duration:00:23:56

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'Tis the season! | Gift-giving in Judaism | Chanukah and beyond

12/22/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the age-old practice of exchanging and giving gifts at seasoned times, like Chanukah and anniversaries. Is giving and receiving gifts a Jewish value or a copy-cat keep up with the Joneses attempt to be like other cultures we see in America?

Duration:00:23:56

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Kohanim (Priests) | Role Models vs. Leadership

12/22/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the priests of the Jewish nation, the Kohanim, and their unique position as role models as opposed to leaders or kings of the nation. What was special about Kohanim during the times when the Temple stood and how does that carried out today in our times? Are Kohanim special today?

Duration:00:20:43

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Kohanim (Priests) | Role Models vs. Leadership

12/22/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the priests of the Jewish nation, the Kohanim, and their unique position as role models as opposed to leaders or kings of the nation. What was special about Kohanim during the times when the Temple stood and how does that carried out today in our times? Are Kohanim special today?

Duration:00:20:43

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Abraham's Greatness

11/8/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique character traits and actions that made Abraham great in God's eyes and in the eyes of the world, and fitting to be the progenitor of the Jewish people.

Duration:00:34:21

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War Response | We’re all in a position to help!

10/13/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how we’re all in a position to help. Every Jew can make a substantial contribution when Israel is under attack , no matter where we are in the world, we can contribute to the war effort in Israel, not only financially, but through our individual activism, actions, and spiritual and emotional support.

Duration:00:32:16

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War & Wartime Strategy

10/13/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Torah and Rabbinical sources for how the Jewish people prepare for war, and the strategies and attitudes necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people and Israel, including diplomacy, force, and prayer.

Duration:00:19:38

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Antisemitism: A call to observance!

9/22/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how a robust response to Antisemitism requires understanding the roots of this hate, what makes the Jewish people unique, and that it might take more effort than just changing your Instagram profile.

Duration:00:25:08

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Forgiving Others Selfishly!

9/11/2023
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve into the complex concept of how forgiving others (and forgoing your just desserts and sweet, sweet revenge), hold the key to our own success in life and a good judgment from the Almighty on Rosh Hashana.

Duration:00:22:20

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Being a Vegetarian

9/11/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the lifestyle and morals of Vegetarianism from the Torah perspective, drawing on Biblical and Talmudic sources to understand sensitivities to humans and animals, their similarities, differences, and diets.

Duration:00:21:04

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Elul | Preparing for Rosh Hashana with Psalm 27

8/25/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox decipher Psalm 27 crafted by King David and choses by the Jewish Sages to be recited during the month of Elul as the most effective way to prepare for Rosh Hashana 30 days later.

Duration:00:28:13

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Rabbis as leaders as opposed to mentors

8/25/2023
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss this interesting dual role posed to Rabbinical authorities to be both mentors and role models to individuals as well as effective leaders making decisions that affect the entire Jewish community at large.

Duration:00:27:40

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The Unique Prophecy of Moses | (4 of 4)

8/25/2023
Recorded long ago, and once believed to be lost forever, after digging in the vaults for months, Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier are excited to present their fourth installment on prophecy, focusing on the unique and special prophecy of Moses. Enjoy!

Duration:00:21:48

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Havdala

8/25/2023
One of the most cherished rituals in Jewish history, popularized in Jewish youth groups summer camps across all denominations, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox delve into the meaning and significance of the Havdala ceremony that takes place after Shabbat and Holidays.

Duration:00:20:04

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Finding a good Rabbi

8/10/2023
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi discuss the essential topic of finding a good Rabbi or Rebbe and what a personal relationship with your Rebbe/Rabbi should be, ideally.

Duration:00:23:08

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Reincarnation | Gilgulim

8/10/2023
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the concept of reincarnation in Judaism, what the word in Hebrew "Gilgul" reveals about the soul's mission, and what we can practically take away for our own lives.

Duration:00:39:29