Jewish Geography

What Makes this Podcast Different from the Others in This Feed? I am very proud to announce here that I've started a video series exploring 'Pirkei Avot' ('The Chapters of the Fathers'). You can find the videos HERE. But for those of you who, like me, prefer audio-only I will be releasing the episodes in this feed as well. This podcast episode includes the audio from the first three videos strung together one after the other. Production Notes Thanks to the positive feedback I've received for including my production notes with podcast episodes I'm going to make that a regular feature. Here you go. Enjoy! Chapter 1, Mishnah 1 The tradition handed down, Judaism based on tradition, not 'mystery.' 'Be Measured in Judgment': RAMBAM take your time making decisions until you can really understand them deeply. 'Keep many students': meaning obvious 'Make a fence for the Torah': RAMBAM the rulings and laws that will keep a person far from transgression, as it says in the Torah 'and you shall guard my guarding' (u'shmart

Why Can't We Talk to Each Other? America is in an ongoing crisis. Right now it's expressing itself concerning families trying to immigrate to the US and the way they're being treated by the authorities. And on this, as on many other issues, it seems that people can't even talk to each other. They can't possibly understand how a person with any serious morality, with good intentions, and with access to accurate information could possibly be on the other side. Here's how. I walk through my understanding of the chain of events, and then break down the competing moral frameworks functioning on both sides of the issue. Moral Foundations Theory My approach here depends primarily on the theories presented by Jonathan Haidt in his book "The Righteous Mind.", which I highly recommend reading! But if you don't have time for the whole book, here is the 'TED Talk', TLDR version of this theory. Please Leave the Nazis Out of This The episode ends with a plea to stop comparing current events to the Nazis, an explanati

If you only get news about Israel from CNN you may think that headline must be either satirical or written by a moral monster. Think again, and have a listen. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com).    Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

On the 5th of Iyar 5708 (May 15, 1948), the two thousand year dream of an exiled people to return home was fulfilled. Three years after the Holocaust, the Jewish state took up arms, with the help of G-d, to chart our own destiny. And we have the audio!!! Fire up the grill and have a listen to prepare for Thursday's festivities! Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com). The text of the Proclamation of Independence used in this episode is taken from HERE. The audio of the announcement itself is from the Israel Broadcast Authority, the national radio broadcaster at the time.   Most importantl

Over seventy years after the Holocaust, what's left to say about it? That's the question Thane Rosenbaum addresses in a recent article. We take up that question, discuss his answer, and also ask whether the Holocaust is really so different, where it stands in Jewish history, and what does it demand of us? This is the first episode where I am also releasing a video version, which you can SEE HERE. I want to thank my new subscribers on Patreon, Laura, Galina and Charles, as well as all of my ongoing supporters. Your hard earned money is very much appreciated!  Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.

What is more spiritual; prayer from the heart, or an animal sacrifice? In honor of the book of Leviticus (Vayikra) which we started reading this week, we discuss our underlying prejudice against animal sacrifice and try to re-evaluate the hierarchy of thoughts and feelings verses actions. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com).   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this week's episode we go through the scroll of Esther, discuss all the relevant commandments (the one you know the best is the least important!), and talk about how the holiday is observed. If you're looking for a half our to get you ready for the holiday this is for you! Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com).   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Tu Bishvat is often referred to as the 'Jewish arbor day,' but it's a bit more complicated than that. We discuss the history of this day, and how it's meaning has developed through time. Then we discuss looking at the world through a positive lens and the Jewish imperative to give others the benefit of the doubt.   Notes Read more about Tu Bishvat here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_BiShvat The Mishna I read in the first part of today's podcast is here and quoted below: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Rosh_Hashanah.2a?lang=en "MISHNA: They are four days in the year that serve as the New Year, each for a different purpose: On the first of Nisan is the New Year for kings; it is from this date that the years of a king's rule are counted. And the first of Nisan is also the New Year for the order of the Festivals, as it determines which is considered the first Festival of the year and which the last. On the first of Elul is the New Year for

Why do so many people fail to recognize the driving anti-semitism of the Nazis? How did the word 'Nazi' become a generic term for evil, and how does this take away from the very specific horror of their deeds? How are anti-semites using this confusion to attack the Jewish people today? And finally, how does this week's parshah, Beshalach, inspire us to live lives of deep meaning, followed by a couple of tips on how to define that meaning for yourself. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com. If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would

Are hero's born or made? Is it a choice one can make? How can Judaism help us develop our most heroic selves? In this week's episode we discuss  how one 'makes a hero,' relating to the most recent episode of 'Radiolab,' how practicing Judaism helps a person develop a virtuous character, and why that is so important. For the paragraph in the 'Laws of Repentence' quoted in the episode, see HERE and scroll down to paragraph 5. To find out more about me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, go to www.rabbieitan.com. If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to

In this week's mini episode I discuss the announcement of the US recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital (duh?), the meaning of Hanukkah, and why the menorah has been such a powerful and enduring symbol for thousands of years. We also get to hear my family, including me, singing the first verse of Maoz Tzur, the traditional song for after candle lighting. Featuring Daniella, Eitan, Hallel (age 8), Raviv (7) and Roiel (5) Levy on vocals.  If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://www.rabbieitan.com/podcast/. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast I discuss the root meaning of the word, "Jew," and the connection it has to thankfulness. Then we study the opening lines of Moshe Chaim Luzzato's famous work of Jewish ethics, 'Mesillat Yesharim' (The Straight Path, or Path of the Just), and discuss how keeping our own highest ideals in site can have very important and very practical consequences, and we relate this to the ongoing revelations of sexual offences by various powerful men in the US. The following is text from the introduction to "Mesillat Yesharim,' from sefaria.org, which I go over in this episode. You can see the entire text HERE. "1. The writer says: I have composed this work not to teach people what they do not know but to remind them of what they already know and which is very familiar to them. For you will find in most of my words only things which most people already know and do not have any doubt about. 2. But according to their familiarity and to the extent that their truth is evide

Why does Abraham insist on buying a cave in Hebron to bury Sarah, what does it mean, and what is the relevance of the burial site for us today? Find out on this week's mini-episode of the Jewish Geography podcast. If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://www.rabbieitan.com/podcast/.  Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com).  Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

What do Hatikvah, psalm 126, a rabbinic dictum about "the doings of the fathers are a sign for the sons", the parshah, and the six day war have in common? In this week's episode of the Jewish Geography podcast we introduce the shows new theme music, discuss fathers and sons, and follow how the actions of the patriarchs reverberate and play out through the parshah and through history, up to and including the 6 day war. Listen to find out how! You can find the full text of Psalm 126, Shir Hamaalot at Sefaria.org, as well as an excellent article on the history of Hatikva as the Israeli national anthem HERE. Here is a photo I took of Rav Goren's siddur and shofar, on display at the Davidson Center in Jerusalem. And the iconic picture of the Rav blowing the shofar at the Western Wall. Read the text of the parshah, Vaeira on Sefaria.org. In the podcast I discuss a particular scene in the battle for Jerusalem in 1967. If you're interested in understanding a bit more about the context for that battle I found thi

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast we interview Daniella, author of the newly released novel, "By Light of Hidden Candles,' a historical novel which follows the story of two families through five hundred years of turmoil, faith and romance from inquisition era Spain until the present. Then we talk about the parsha, Lech Lecha, and how our difficulties are part of God's self improvement program for our souls. The podcast finishes with a virtual tour, recorded live at Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate, the main entrance to the Old City. All past episodes and show notes (and machine transcripts of this and following episodes) can be found at www.rabbieitan.com/podcast. If you're interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon (www.patreon.com/rabbieitan) and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Credits Thank you to bensound.com for providing the music playing in the background during parts of the podcast as well as tristan-lohengrin for his, 'jingle-02', plasterbrain for his,

In this week's episode of the Jewish Geography podcast I discuss some of the difficulties I had around Yom Kippur this year, talk about what purpose sacrificing comfort can serve in our relationship with God and, ultimately, how we can take those lessons and serve God with joy during Sukkot. The title is a reference to a line in Psalms (126:5), "They who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy." If you're interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Credits Thank you to bensound.com for providing the music playing in the background during parts of the podcast as well as tristan-lohengrin for his, 'jingle-02', plasterbrain for his, 'podcast-jingle,' and mansardian for his, 'news jingle,' all shared freely on freesound.org. This episode also included a short cut from Leonard Cohen's "Born in Chains." CLICK HERE to hear the whole song.

In this special pre-holiday bonus episode Daniella reads a chapter on the upcoming holidays from her book "Letters to Josep," and tells us how we can crown G-d king and get our souls nice and shiny for the new year. See more by Daniella including links to her blogs and books at her website. If you're interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Chag sameach! A happy and sweet new year to all our listeners!

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast I talk about worldview called 'Moralistic Therapeutic Deism,' using social media without going insane, and delve into the weekly Parsha.  If you'd like to donate to keep the show going please do so on my Patreon page.

An intro to this weeks Torah portion of 'Ki Tavo,' the mitzvah of bikurim, and the practice of gratefulness. See the text discussed at Sefaria. If you would like to donate to keeping this podcast going please do so on my Patreon page.

This episode of the Jewish Geography podcast is a, uhh, encore performance (AKA a rerun) of one of my favorite pieces we've done. It's Daniella reading a post from her amazing blog, Letters to Josep. FOLLOW THIS LINK to read the original or listen to the original podcast in which it aired. This catches the essence of it for me: "The light was the essence of the Jewish people, which has survived a hundred times as long as it should have, which has refused to be extinguished despite the sound and fury of hundreds of cultures that swept the world, only to fade over time. But our light never faded. It burned, and burned, and burned. And in the midst of it all, the Torah is the "candle for our feet, the light to our path" (to slightly paraphrase Psalms  119:105), whispering in our ears the truth that God spoke to us at Mount Sinai. The Torah is the pillar of fire that continues to lead us through the desert to the Promised Land. And as more and more Jews see no reason to hold on to the faith o