Judaism From Within

Why is it so vital the Torah calls to our attention Moses and he very humanness? and how does this give us beautiful parallel to the Prayer Book (Siddur)   Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha    

In this episode, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's profound insights on modesty, framed through the metaphor of the soul as the master and the body as the emissary. Drawing inspiration from Iain McGilchrist's concept, we delve into how Rav Hirsch envisions the harmonious relationship between soul and body, each knowing its role in living out a life of Mission.

Shemot - Forgotten Humanism Of the Modern World We generally speaking look at culture as progressing forward but at times this is not the case two messages from this weeks Parasha give lights to this principle, From the lens of Rav Samson Raphel Hirsch

Mitzvah #68 - מאכלים אסורים Part 3 - Eating with Intent The Symbolic Depth of Kashrut Why does the Torah allow us to eat some animals but not others? Based on Rav Hirsch’s teachings, this episode looks at how Kashrut shapes our mindset, encouraging mindfulness and spiritual awareness. We’ll also explore the risks of living a life driven by materialism or determinism and how Kashrut helps us live w...

Chanukah what's the central conflict, how should we look at the cultural challenge of the Greeks? All BAD? Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch gives us a nuanced approach. That does justice both to the challenge back then, as well as to our ability to grow today.   Rav Hirsch On Chanukah 

In this weeks Parasha we get a dark side of a family but even there we can see the rooted positive message to us to day    Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

This week's discussion we attempt to delve into one of the most unusual symbols in the Torah at the same time we get a unique opportunity to parallel a symbol embedded in both narrative and law in the bible   Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

Parasha Vayeitzei - 3 empowering callings of the ladder The Torah/Bible this week gives us 3 powerful truths from the dream of the ladder Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

How the approach of parents and educators to fit each child into a specific framework of what they think Judaism is, can not only destroy the child but creates a perversion of the message that Judaism is trying to teach.   Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha.

Torah portion Chayei Sarah - Why no after Life? Throughout the bible, we see no mention of the next world, why? for the Jews one of the most central books, and no mention of the afterlife, why?    Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha

Mitzvah #68 - Shechita Intentional Action and Reflection Explore Rav Hirsch's teachings on shechita, the Jewish method of slaughter, as a practice that demands intentionality and reflection. By confronting the act of taking life, shechita compels us to recognize the distinct nature of the human being and our unique role in the world. Join us as we uncover how this mitzvah transforms a physical act...

Vayera - Akedah, Abraham's failure? "From the Archives"   This week's Rav Hirsch covers the Binding of Isaac, a key event in Jewish history and theology. We'll address its challenging questions and build an approach to better understand the story. This approach also provides tools to respond to Immanuel Kant's powerful 18th-century critique of the Jewish moral framework.

Join us as we delve into Rav Hirsch's profound insights on ma'akhalei asurim—forbidden foods in Judaism, uncovering layers of meaning that extend beyond the table. In this episode, we also offer a recap of Rav Hirsch's unique halachic and symbolic approach, bridging law and philosophy in a way that transforms our understanding of everyday practices.

As we approach the High Holidays, many grapple with the underlying significance of this time. I'd like to explore some of the common struggles people face and share Rav Hirsch's powerful perspective on the shofar that deeply resonated with me. ( it was recoded a few years ago but still very on point)

Mitzvah #67: הרחקה מעריות - Guardians of the Mind: Mastering the Imagination & Fulfilling Your Noble Mission Rav Hirsch On  שמירת עיניים & Cultivating Active Engagement in The World, His Perspective on Imagination, Parenting, and Personal Responsibility

Mitzvah #66: ערוה - Boundaries The Structure and Depth of Intimacy   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Mitzvah #65: זנות - Foundations Of a Sexual Ethic     Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Mitzvah #64: פאת ראשכם - Cutting Hair & Beard - The Spiritual Significance of Hair & Male Modesty      Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Mitzvah #63 - שרט - Scars and Symbols: - Reflecting On Self Harm     Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Mitzvah #62 - מצוות שמירת נפש - Navigating The Question Of Suicide   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

----more----Mitzvah #61 - קבורה Burial Of Dead - Fatalism & Responsibility Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Mitzvah #60 - צער בעלי חיים  Suffering Of Animals - Animal Rights & Man's Responsibility   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism

Mitzvah #59 - אתו ואת־בנו - Mother & Child - Centrality Of Love in Relation With God   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism

Mitzvah #58  - שילוח הקן Sending Away The Mother Bird - Social Responsibility & The Value Of Gender Roles   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism

Mitzvah #57  Part 2 - Dairy Dilemma - Milk & Meat Its symbolic & Moral Significance   Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism