Nachum Amsel

What Does Judaism Say About...?

Religion EN ↓ 246 episodes

What does Judaism Say About...? is a podcast where we explore different values, ethical issues, or dilemmas relevant to the 21st century, and examine the normative Jewish viewpoint on each issue. Every week, a fascinating value and topic will be analyzed from the traditional Jewish perspective.

Author

Nachum Amsel

Category

Religion

Podcast website

sites.libsyn.com

Latest episode

May 12, 2026

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Episodes

Hypocrisy in Judaism 07.02.2026

Even though most people loathe hypocrites who act in one manner while believing something completely different, hypocrisy is rampant in western society. Why is that true? This podcast will analyze this concept from a Jewish perspective and why this behavior is so detestable in Judaism.

The Jewish View of Pain 26.01.2026

Pain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.

(110) The Jewish View of Pain 26.01.2026

Pain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.

Judging Everything Favorably in Judaism – ‎ Good Idea or Requirement? 19.01.2026

It is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this...

(109) Judging Everything Favorably in Judaism – ‎ Good Idea or Requirement? 19.01.2026

It is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this...

(108) The Ethics of Torture in Judaism 12.01.2026

Although abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.

The Ethics of Torture in Judaism 12.01.2026

Although abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.

Downloading Songs and Videos from the Internet – What Does Judaism Say About it? 05.01.2026

Many or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discusse...

(107) Downloading Songs and Videos from the Internet – What Does Judaism Say About it? 05.01.2026

Many or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discusse...

Should We Give Honor To a Leader Who Sinned? 29.12.2025

Almost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how  traditional Jewish sources have...

(106) Should We Give Honor To a Leader Who Sinned? 29.12.2025

Almost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how  traditional Jewish sources have...

(105) Reincarnation in Judaism 23.12.2025

This podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.

Reincarnation in Judaism 23.12.2025

This podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.

Revenge in Judaism: Is It Ever Justified? 15.12.2025

This podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.

(104) Revenge in Judaism: Is It Ever Justified? 15.12.2025

This podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.

(103) Underlying Values and Concepts of Chanukah 08.12.2025

This podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the  numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.

Underlying Values and Concepts of Chanukah 08.12.2025

This podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the  numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.

The Torah Reaction to the Madoff and other Financial Scandals 01.12.2025

This podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.

(102) The Torah Reaction to the Madoff and other Financial Scandals 01.12.2025

This podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.

The Jewish View of Child Abuse 24.11.2025

Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditiona...

(101) The Jewish View of Child Abuse 24.11.2025

Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditiona...

The Normative Jewish View of The Golem 17.11.2025

In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in  Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implic...

(100) The Normative Jewish View of The Golem 17.11.2025

In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in  Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implic...

Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance 10.11.2025

The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and  why only recited in a community setting.

(99) Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance 10.11.2025

The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and  why only recited in a community setting.

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