A look at events, trends and people important to Anglo-Charedim, through the eyes of two rabbis with moxie. One is a newbie to Israel - Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein - the other a veteran - Rabbi Simi Lerner. And if that's not enough for them to disagree, they'll interview interesting folks, who may or may not be rabbis or rebbetzins.
…
continue reading
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
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #74 – מפני שיבה תקום Age, Wisdom & Virtue: AI and the Illusion of Insight
12:07
12:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:07Mitzvah #74 – מפני שיבה תקום Age, Wisdom & Virtue: AI and the Illusion of Insight How do we honor the ripened wisdom of age in an age of instant answers? This episode explores the mitzvah of “מפני שיבה תקום” through the lens of Rav Hirsch and the digital age—contrasting earned maturity with artificial knowledge. As AI offers the illusion of depth w…
…
continue reading

1
Rav Hirsch Mitzvah #28 Pesach - Haggadah Imbue The Spirit & Flood Their Minds (Archives)
8:51
8:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:51Rav Hirsch Mitzvah #28 Pesach - Haggadah Imbue The Spirit & Flood Their MindsBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Critical Thinking: The Price We Pay When Ignoring It
42:16
42:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:16Charlatans promoting spiritual snake-oil, newfangled segulos, stifling creativity. All are part of a disturbing trend away from critical thinking. We allow this at our own peril. Want more? Tune in to Rabbi Lerner's podcast here, and Rabbi Adlerstein's weekly Maharal shiur (Thursday evenings, 8:30 PM at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/76700528687). We'd …
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #73 - כבוד אב ואם - Honor Thy Father and Mother: A Bridge to Transcendence
9:42
9:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:42Mitzvah #73 - כבוד אב ואם - Honor Thy Father and Mother: A Bridge to Transcendence In Gratitude to My Own Parents, Who Showed Me the Path Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch on the rational of Jewish lawBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #72 - Mitzvah as Love: The Jewish Religious Consciousness in Action
11:13
11:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:13Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Mitzvah as Love: The Jewish Religious Consciousness in Action Mitzvah is more than obligation—it is love made real. In this episode, we explore how Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch sees mitzvah as the embodied expression of divine love, shaping not just our actions but our very consciousness. What does it mean to approach God thr…
…
continue reading
Does Hamas Believe in G-d? Plus - defending the indefensible. Want more? Tune in to Rabbi Lerner's podcast here, and Rabbi Adlerstein's weekly Maharal shiur (Thursday evenings, 8:30 PM at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/76700528687). We'd love to hear your feedback! Write to us at [email protected].…
…
continue reading
Disappointed By Gedolim? How to deal with it, without endangering your Olam Habo - or your sanity. Want more? Tune in to Rabbi Lerner's podcast here, and Rabbi Adlerstein's weekly Maharal shiur (Thursday evenings, 8:30 PM at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/76700528687). We'd love to hear your feedback! Write to us at [email protected].…
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #71 - Following The Many - The Heuristics of Experience, Law and Faith
11:26
11:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:26Mitzvah #71 - Following The Many - The Heuristics of Experience, Law and FaithBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Parshah Mishpatim - Why Start With Slavery? (His Copernican revolution) archives
14:17
14:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:17in this weeks discussion, we offer a powerful tool in ones approach the torah and a general Jewish world view by shifting your approach of the Oral Law (his Copernican revolution. At the same time, we bring out a profound moral principle from the first law in this weeks parashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Parshah Yisro - Yisro - A Unified Path Of the 10 "Archives"
9:33
9:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:33In this week's discussion, we take the decalogue the 10 commandments something that's often looked at as separate ideas, But we show with the lens of repairs how it represents, symbolises a unified inseparable whole. Rav Hirsch On The Weekly ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Beshalach - How does Trust Makes Sense? "Archives"
12:58
12:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:58this week disentangle the concept of trust in God, what do we mean? we also show how the two aspects of the symbol of Shabbos play out this priciple.By Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #70 - Speech, Oaths & Vowels - The Quintessential Chuk
9:51
9:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:51Rav Hirsch’s insight into vowels reveals a profound truth about the power of speech—the very tool that can create, uplift,can destroy. In this episode, we explore how language embodies both the highest potential for good and the gravest danger for harm. Why is speech the ultimate Chuk? And what does this teach us about our responsibility in wieldin…
…
continue reading
To Whom do you take your kids for a bracha? Join Rav Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rav Simi Lerner for a fascinating conversation about how the meaning of "Gadol" has changed in recent decades, as well as where it - and we = are heading.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Bo - Unexpected depth of the Oral law "Archives"
13:33
13:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:33this week's parsha Bo, in this week's discussion we take a look at the oral law, something that is often considered a little bit arbitrary and we show how these minor details not only validate the meaning of Biblical symbolism and its meaning but enrich it. our topic the Moon Rav Hirsch On The Weekly Parasha…
…
continue reading

1
Rav Hirsch On Parasha Vyarah - A Biblical Champion & the Philosophy of Prayer "Archives"
10:49
10:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:49Why 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 ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
The Opening of the Charedi Mind: Why Anglos Choose to Call Themselves Charedim
30:46
30:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:46It sometimes feels like many Anglos live a contradition. They call themselves Charedim, while many of their beliefs and practices stand in sharp contrast to the Israeli definition of the term. How do they deal with that - and why?By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #69 - צניעות Modesty: The Master & Its Emissary
15:13
15:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:13In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Shemot - Forgotten Humanism Of the Modern World
12:45
12:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:45Shemot - 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 HirschBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #68 - מאכלים אסורים Part 3 - Eating with Intent
14:08
14:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:08Mitzvah #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 material…
…
continue reading
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 ChanukahBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Rabbenu Hiawatha? A Misguided Analogy of Religion and Race in Israel
28:57
28:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:57Join Rav Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rav Simi Lerner as they analyze the misguided analogy of religion and race in Israel (even as they disagree about what, exactly, is misguided). And, how to deal with positions they expect you to believe when you really can't.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Vayeshev - jealousy leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate.. to Fear "From Archives"
13:34
13:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:34In 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 ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Vayishlach - The nerve of history "From Archives"
12:00
12:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:00This 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 ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Vayeitzei - 3 Callings of the ladder "From the Archives"
10:38
10:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:38Parasha 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 ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Toldot - Off Whose Derech? a Corruption of the Jewish task
12:50
12:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:50How 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.By Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Chayei Sarah - Why no after Life? "From the Archives"
11:13
11:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:13Torah 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 ParashaBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #68 - מאכלים אסורים Part 2 - Shechita Intentional Action and Reflection
12:56
12:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:56Mitzvah #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 …
…
continue reading

1
Vayera - Akedah, Abraham's failure? "From the Archives"
12:43
12:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:43Vayera - 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 Je…
…
continue reading

1
What Now?: After the US elections, should Torah Jews be doing anything differently?
30:08
30:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:08Now that the US elections have come and gone, should Torah Jews be doing anything differently? Join Rav Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rav Simi Lerner for a stimulating and sometimes surprising conversation. We want to hear from you! Write to [email protected] to let us know what you think.…
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #68 - מאכלים אסורים -The Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning of Forbidden Food - Part 1
12:55
12:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:55Join 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…
…
continue reading

1
Rosh Hashanah: Awakening to the Call of Renewal
13:10
13:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:10As 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)…
…
continue reading

1
Kiddush Hashem: Narrow and Broader Definitions
27:37
27:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:37Is kiddush Hashem always coupled with the performance of mitzvos? Can it be performed even without intention? Even at the same time as doing an aveirah?By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Podcasting: Does it lead to Gan Eden or Gehinom?
41:05
41:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:05Join us as we interview pioneer podcaster Rabbi Avremel Kivelevitz. You can find Rav Kivelevitz's podcasts here.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading
What is the Torah's preference about dealing with challenges to our way of life?By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #67: הרחקה מעריות - Guardians of the Mind: Mastering the Imagination & Fulfilling Your Noble Mission
17:40
17:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:40Mitzvah #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 ResponsibilityBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #66: ערוה - Boundaries The Structure and Depth of Intimacy
13:28
13:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:28Mitzvah #66: ערוה - Boundaries The Structure and Depth of Intimacy Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism Rabbi Simi LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #65: זנות - Foundations Of a Sexual Ethic
11:20
11:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:20Mitzvah #65: זנות - Foundations Of a Sexual Ethic Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism Rabbi Simi LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading
Why are some intent on ruling out G-d's presence in absolutely all matters, while some believe it is obviously the case? How do these views impact upon our behavior?By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading
Overheated rhetoric - the many prices we pay for it, including assassination attempts, hopeless division, and blindness to the truth.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #64: פאת ראשכם - Cutting Hair & Beard - The Spiritual Significance of Hair & Male Modesty Rav Hirsch On Jewish Law
15:14
15:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:14Mitzvah #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 LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Unraveling the Unusual: The intersection of environmentalism, socialism, and Islam
29:25
29:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:25Is their coming together in massive protests in the West an unholy marriage of convenience? Or is there something more than that? Two rabbis, a bunch of opinions.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #63 - שרט - Scars and Symbols - Reflecting On Self Harm - Rav Hirsch On Jewish Law
13:59
13:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:59Mitzvah #63 - שרט - Scars and Symbols: - Reflecting On Self Harm Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism Rabbi Simi LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #62 - מצוות שמירת נפש - Navigating The Question Of Suicide
12:15
12:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:15Mitzvah #62 - מצוות שמירת נפש - Navigating The Question Of Suicide Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism Rabbi Simi LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading
It's difficult, but not impossible, for Anglos who identify as charedi to speak calmly and dispassionately about the draft issue. It becomes soooooo much harder when you have to listen to some of the most contorted arguments that some "spokesmen" have put out for popular consumption. If your reasonable self is taking a pounding, you are not alone.…
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #61 - קבורה Burial Of Dead - Fatalism & Responsibility
12:41
12:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:41----more----Mitzvah #61 - קבורה Burial Of Dead - Fatalism & Responsibility Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism Rabbi Simi LernerBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading

1
"Us" or "Them:" What's been missing in charedi chinuch
30:17
30:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:17History forced the Torah community to develop a bastion mentality. The unintended consequence of that has been neglecting the intrinsic values of Eretz Yisrael, and of Jewish nationhood.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #60 - צער בעלי חיים Suffering Of Animals - Animal Rights & Man's Responsibility
12:51
12:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:51Mitzvah #60 - צער בעלי חיים Suffering Of Animals - Animal Rights & Man's Responsibility Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in JudaismBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading
The concept of Daas Torah is one of the defining elements of charedi life. Defining it, however, is not so simple. We look at some of the competing definitions, especially in the light of demands to cast ballots along party lines.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Rough Time Ahead for Charedi Draft Exemption
33:48
33:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:48The issue may bring down the government. It certainly threatens to imperil the national achdus. A recent Cross-Currents piece has made it's way beyond charedi circles. This episode explores the different perspectives, and the different options, on the blanket exemption for Charedim.By Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
…
continue reading

1
Mitzvah #59 - אתו ואת־בנו - Mother & Child - Centrality Of Love in Relation With God
9:45
9:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:45Mitzvah #59 - אתו ואת־בנו - Mother & Child - Centrality Of Love in Relation With God Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in JudaismBy Rabbi Simi Lerner
…
continue reading