The Maggid of Melbourne

Where did the tradition of lighting a ner tamid (Eternal Light) in a synagogue begin? In this final episode of Exploring Sacred Spaces, the Maggid of Melbourne looks to the sources once again, this time in search of the history of the ner tamid. We’ll discover some of the earliest mentions of the ner tamid, and explore some of the spiritual beliefs tied to this important piece of a sacred space. H...

Is it acceptable to place a dedication plaque in a sacred space? In today’s episode, we go back to the Tanakh, learning about the building of the Temple, and other early sources as we examine this complex topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes when you walk into a Jewish home you are immediately confronted by a portion of the wall that is incomplete. Why is that? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne explores this tradition, discussing the reason for it, and whether or not a synagogue should also remain incomplete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the terrifying earthquake that struck Turkey, the Maggid of Melbourne dedicated this episode on structural damage to the people of Turkey. What do we do when there is a crack in the wall of a synagogue? We’ve already learned that we must treat the structure with proper sanctity and if one were to do damage, they are liable for the costs of repair, but what about cases where there is...

There's more to windows and synagogues than meets the eye. In this episode, the Maggid of Melbourne continues his discussion on windows in synagogues. Searching for guidance on how many windows should be used, we look to the mystical text … Read the rest The post Episode 14: Mysticism in Synagogue Design first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Episode 14: Mysticism in Synagogue D...

If, as we’ve learned, we are meant to have windows, is there a specific way they should be designed? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne leads us with an examination of the windows that were found in the Temple. It isn’t as simple as copying those windows, however, as many questions arise regarding how those windows may have been designed. Was there transparent glass? Simple shuttered openi...

The Maggid of Melbourne brings another tale, this time about the planning of the building of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Rav Amital’s reaction to learning there would be no windows in the Beit Midrash. We learn of two versions of the story, one telling us that Rav Amital’s reaction was based on scent, but another teaches that it was related to sight. Sight, perhaps we could understand, but scent? List...

Do synagogues need windows? Going back to the time of Daniel, we learn that windows have played a role in prayer, but does that mean that windows are required? Why would we even need windows, what particular role would they play in our synagogues? Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he examines the Rambam and later authorities on their position regarding windows in shul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

From watching children practice their karate kicks to remembering stories of shared walls with homes, the Maggid of Melbourne embarks on a fascinating discussion about the sanctity of synagogue walls and the challenges of using them for the mundane. Drawing on historical sources, including this week’s parsha, and reflections from our modern context, in today’s episode we’ll learn about how to hand...

  We see them all the time in our Jewish spaces, but what exactly is the role of the Chanukiya within synagogues? Join Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, as he leads us on a fascinating exploration of … Read the rest The post Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya at Elma...

The symbolism of lions has been seen throughout Ashkenazi synagogues. Yet, in 1949, Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel cautioned the use of images in synagogues due to the prohibition of graven images. How do we approach these images in synagogues? How can we find a decor that aids us in spiritual connection while also respecting Jewish law? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sacred Spaces” we dive into the significance of the Holy Ark in a synagogue and the dilemma of dealing with an existing Ark when moving to a new space. Various options, from burial to repurposing, are considered within the framework of Jewish Law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there an obligation to have air conditioners or heaters in a synagogue? If we do have air conditioners, what considerations do we need to take? Is it alright to leave an air conditioner on when the synagogue isn’t in use? What if someone accidentally leaves the air conditioner on? Take a deep dive into the halakhot of air conditioners with this episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sa...

We continue our examination of the duchan (platform) from which the Kohanim offer blessings to the congregation. As we know from the previous episode, the Kohanim are meant to go up to the duchan, meaning the duchan should be raised up from the floor. While we have learned that the blessing should be done whether or not there are steps, we must ask what we should do in such cases. The Maggid of Me...

In previous episodes, the Maggid of Melbourne discussed how the Hazzan should approach the lectern, examining the question of whether one should step up or down. What about when the Kohanim come forward to lead the priestly blessing? Must they step up? What if there is no space, or some other challenges that would prevent building that step up? Together with the Maggid of Melbourne, we’ll examine...

Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he continues his exploration of where the Hazzan (prayer leader) stands as he leads prayers. Levi brings in a tale of a Hasidic man who ties himself to the lectern during their service, confusing everyone in the synagogue. With this in mind, we’ll continue to look into the architectural design of synagogues, and how such stories can impact the architectural decision...

  In this second episode of “Exploring Sacred Spaces,” the Maggid of Melbourne shares insights into the bimah and how we approach it. How is the Hazzan supposed to approach or descend, and what are the practical and spiritual implications?… Read the rest The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 2: Small Steps for Prayer Leaders first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Exploring Sacred...

In this first episode of “Exploring Sacred Spaces,” the Maggid of Melbourne takes us back to 1787, exploring a responsum by Rabbi Yehezkel Landau that discusses whether it is permissible to build a synagogue in the shape of an octagon rather than a square. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking...