JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition
Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today
Hosted by lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni, Judaism Demystified was founded to explore topics often overlooked in conventional Jewish education. Through long-form conversations with leading religious thinkers, scientists, and historians, the podcast draws from the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition while embracing the intellectual legacy of Rabbi Sacks. Our goal is to reignite a passion for classical Jewish wisdom, returning to foundational ideas and fostering meaningful engagement with Jewish thought.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2021 • 1h 14min
Episode 7: Rabbi Abe H. Faur "The Horizontal Society"
Rabbi Faur addresses a variety of pertinent topics such as the importance of understanding diqduq (Hebrew grammar) when interpreting Torah verses, the general idea of classical mysticism, the prophetic experience, the Horizontal Society, the covenant, the fall of western civilization, eradicating idolatry, and dispelling the lazy fallacy that Maimonides was a rationalist (and the lie that he kept some of his true beliefs hidden).
Nov 26, 2021 • 1h 21min
Episode 6: Sina Kahen "Tradition and Ideas"
Sina takes us on a journey through history and breaks down the very significant revival of the Andalusian tradition. Discover the difference between classical Jewish mysticism and the Zoharic Kabbalah that emerged in the post-Maimonidean era. Find out why the Sephardic approach is so instrumental in building a future for Judaism in an ever-changing world.
Nov 18, 2021 • 1h 26min
Episode 5: Dr. Gerald Schroeder "The Science of God"
Dr. Schroeder makes the case for God in scientific terms, tackling issues such as the age of the universe, evolution, the multiverse theory, fine tuning, DNA, famous atheists, and extraterrestrial life.
Aug 20, 2021 • 1h 7min
Episode 4: Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie "A Light Unto the Nations"
Rabbi Abadie dives into the history and traditions of Old Sepharad (The Golden Age of Spain) and discusses his groundbreaking role in strengthening Jewish-Muslim relations in the Middle East.
Jul 15, 2021 • 1h 22min
Episode 3: Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman "A Critique of Biblical Criticism"
Professor Berman showcases his vast knowledge of the Torah and other extra-biblical ancient texts, providing evidence that highlights the major flaws in modern biblical source criticism. (It's ideal to watch this episode in particular on our YouTube channel because of all the slideshow visuals he provided. Go to YouTube and type in Judaism.Demystified in the search bar - please like, subscribe, and share while you're at it.)
Jun 30, 2021 • 1h 36min
Episode 2: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "A Religion of Reason"
Professor Seeskin displays his vast expertise in the subject of Maimonidean Rationalism. He educates us on important topics such as negative theology, creation, prophecy, commandments, idolatry, love of God, and human suffering (in the Book of Job)
Jun 22, 2021 • 1h 26min
Episode 1: Rabbi Joshua Maroof "Challenging the Status Quo"
Rabbi Joshua Maroof explores hot topics in Orthodox Judaism: Is God the Cause of Evil? How to Improve Torah Education? Why are Brilliant Jews Non-Observant? Is There a Solution to the Agunah Crisis?
Jun 13, 2021 • 5min
Introducing Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for Todays Perplexed Jews
How does a curious, truth-seeking, intellectually honest person face the challenges brought upon by modern biblical criticism, the fossil record, archaeological findings, evolutionary theory, scientific discoveries, historical inaccuracies, theological and philosophical paradoxes, the centuries old conflict between rationalism and mysticism, and a host of other problems. Where can one turn for answers? We hope to tackle this daunting task.
Jun 12, 2021 • 59sec
