Judaism From Within

Education: Necessity of Foreign Ideas

This week we approach Key Points in the education of our children, from the Perspective of Rav Hirsch
We speak about the necessity of exposing ourselves to other ideas outside Judaism to strengthen and appreciate our Jewish heritage.
We also speak about knowledge itself and how not to approach it purely from a utilitarian perspective and the dangers in doing so.
 
Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

Vayera - How Deification Kills The Message

Alongside two key messages relating to the Jewish approach to the outside world, we speak about the Temptation and the danger in the Deification of people we love and respect.
As always though the lens of Rav Hirsch 
 
Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

Lech Lecha - The moral argument for circumcision

This week we discuss the moral argument for circumcision
but this brings up 2 more questions 
1) The relevance of such a discussion
2) The legitimacy of talking about morality in connection with circumcision
With Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch's insight and analysis, we gain a powerful perspective on a fundamental commandment, 
have a wonderful shabbos
regarding the podcasting network I mentioned 
 
Rav Hirsch On Sukkot 
http://intentionaljew.com/

Noach - Post Apocalyptic Stand

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch draws our attention to the seemingly trivial event of what happened just before the post-flood blessing from God. Man took a stand and made a commitment that pictures how we view Judaism today
Podcast network mention on the Episode 
https://intentionaljew.com/
 
Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

Genesis - Garbage in Garbage out

Genesis/Bereishit - how do we look at the world today?
Taking into account our modern conceptions of the world why is the concept of creation still relevant. 
we talk about the break down of an enchanted world to a world of hypothesis.
Topics of Evil, Freewill & naturalism and how we understand the timeless message of the bible from the lense of Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch.

Sukkot - Equality or Equity?

In today's society, it is often all too easy to assume we have all the answers to the problems plaguing our society. Poverty, unfairness, and unequal distribution are difficult concepts to come to terms with, and rightfully so, since as a nation tasked with being a 'Light On To The Nations' we don't take other people's suffering lightly. In a fascinating elucidation on the Sukkah, the festive booth Jews dwell in in the coming holiday, Rav Hirsch sheds light on the true Jewish perspective on social living. 
 
Rav Hirsch On Sukkot 

End of Year - a Letter to a child in Isolation

We recently received a care package for my son in COVID-19 isolation from his excellent school that inspired this talk. Looking at the beginning of the new year we all ask for tools - tools to help us live happy and successful lives. Rav Hirsch elaborates on how 3 of these crucial tools are viewed from the Jewish lens.
 
Rav Hirsch On THe Weekly Parasha

Nitzavim - Reflection Responsibility & Why The Facts Matter

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch gives us an insight into the inner structure of the human personality form a Torah lens. At the same time he answers an age-old question of why we start the Amida (prayers) with mentioning wisdom and knowledge.
 
Rav Hirsch On THe Weekly Parasha

Ki Tavo - Humanism Under a Rock

This week we approach a classic split in Jewish thought, the Torah's particular focus on the Jewish people and at the same time the Torah's fundamental place for all of humanity. We will also discover where the Oral tradition stands from a traditional Jewish world view. 

Eikev - Havdalah finally an approach I can relate to

Havdalah what is it and how are the 3 aspects of it, a drink, spices, and fire meaningful. 
 
Rav Hirsch On THe Weekly Parasha