Judaism From Within
A tribute to the legacy of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Why This Title? It was his motto ’sich selbst begreifendes Ju dentum ’, Judaism understood from within, a term that encapsulates Rav Hirsch’s approach of diving into the essence of Judaism, viewing it through its inherent structures rather than through external lenses. Under the ”Topical Resources” , you’ll find additional Topics
Podcast Description
A tribute to the legacy of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Why This Title? It was his motto ’sich selbst begreifendes Ju dentum ’, Judaism understood from within, a term that encapsulates Rav Hirsch’s approach of diving into the essence of Judaism, viewing it through its inherent structures rather than through external lenses. Under the ”Topical Resources” , you’ll find additional Topics
Episodes
Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025
12 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on Chinuch
The Triple Responsibility: Physical, Emotional & Practical & How We Can Betray It
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
4 min
When Hell Opens Up Beneath You - Rav Hirsch On Toldos
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
8 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's on Divorce Levirate Marriage Love Enough to Let Go
Oct 23, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
4 min
In this short episode of Hirsch on the Weekly Parasha, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s profound vision of aesthetics. Why did God create a world of beauty? Is the pursuit of the beautiful a spiritual distraction or a path to the divine?
Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
8 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's on Divorce
Sep 18, 2025
Sep 18, 2025
12 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's on marriage
Sep 3, 2025
Sep 3, 2025
12 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's vision of Setting Up a Home
We explore the timeless call to raise families, sustain the Jewish people, and secure the moral mission to humanity rooted in the practical wisdom of financial stability and the spiritual weight of home.
Jul 31, 2025
Jul 31, 2025
9 min
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch vision of Teshuvah
What if repentance isn’t about apologising to God but confronting yourself? In this episode, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s vision of Teshuvah as radical self-honesty:
confession not as ritual, but as recognition of your own capacity to change.
And what if sin itself isn't a flaw in the system, but a feature essential to human freedom, moral struggle, and divine purpose? Join us as we reframe failure, not as shameful, but as the starting point of meaning.
Jul 9, 2025
Jul 9, 2025
12 min
Rav Hirsch, Horeb, Mitzvah 78 – Rabbinic Authority
As we explore in this episode, Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch understood ancient legal authority not as personal influence, but as the outgrowth of a divinely mandated structure a system rooted in Sinai that gives form to our mission in life. Drawing on his analysis, we reflect on the nature of our own rabbinic influences.
I examine its relevance to the idea of a personal rabbi not merely someone wise or kind, but someone embedded in a structure, someone who submits to a higher halachic authority. As Rav Hirsch points out, the Sanhedrin held legitimate power only when seated in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, and the Kohen could serve only while wearing his sacred garments. True Torah leadership is not about charisma, but continuity. Without submission to something beyond the self, we risk mistaking personality for Torah.
Jun 19, 2025
Jun 19, 2025
13 min
Horeb – Mitzvah #77 - Intermarriage - Why Judaism Isn’t Racist, and What Makes a Marriage Sacred
In this episode, we tackle a common misconception: that Judaism's opposition to intermarriage is rooted in ethnic exclusivity. Drawing from the insights of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Horeb, we explore how Judaism views identity through ethical and moral responsibility. We contrast the universalism of the Church with salvation through the institution, with Judaism's ethical universalism, which upholds that anyone can find favor through just and moral living. We also examine how love in Judaism is not an end in itself, but a foundation that matures into shared mission, where man and woman unite not just emotionally, but toward a higher purpose.

Rabbi Simi Lerner
any questions please be in touch simmylerner@gmail.com






