The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind
Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education
Welcome to The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind, a podcast that tells the story of the prophets, philosophers, and poets who created the West.
In this podcast, Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin guides listeners through more than 3,000 years of Western history, offering a coherent, civilizational story of how the West came to be—along with a deepened understanding of the challenges it now faces. While many of the texts discussed will be familiar to students of the humanities, Rabbi Rocklin offers a new framework for understanding them—a framework in which the teachings of the Jewish religious tradition play a central role. For, as Rabbi Rocklin explains, Western civilization can only be understood as the product of a transformative and ongoing collision between the great traditions of Jerusalem and Athens—between the religious spirit of the Jews and the philosophical spirit of the Greeks.
In this podcast, Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin guides listeners through more than 3,000 years of Western history, offering a coherent, civilizational story of how the West came to be—along with a deepened understanding of the challenges it now faces. While many of the texts discussed will be familiar to students of the humanities, Rabbi Rocklin offers a new framework for understanding them—a framework in which the teachings of the Jewish religious tradition play a central role. For, as Rabbi Rocklin explains, Western civilization can only be understood as the product of a transformative and ongoing collision between the great traditions of Jerusalem and Athens—between the religious spirit of the Jews and the philosophical spirit of the Greeks.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 36min
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths II: The Meaning of Covenant and Sacrifice
Explore the clash between pagan sacrifice and biblical covenant in a fascinating discussion. Discover how the cult of Dionysus bridges Greek and Roman thought toward the concept of covenant. Delve into the contrasting aversions to human sacrifice in Jewish and Greek traditions. Unveil the prophetic obligations of Greek gods versus the flexibility of the biblical God. Finally, examine the rich mythological narratives of innocence and sacrifice, including the stories of Andromeda and the binding of Isaac, revealing differing cultural perspectives.
10 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 31min
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths I: The Gods and the Creation of Man
Dive into the rich tapestry of Greek myths and their contrasts with Jewish narratives. Explore why shepherds are central to both traditions and how creation stories differ, revealing unique human perspectives. Discover the contrasting views on divinity, the implications of mortality, and the symbolic meanings of the rainbow in each culture. This exploration sheds light on humanity’s role in the universe, highlighting both the cyclical nature of Greek myths and the singularity of Jewish belief.
8 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 27min
Hesiod: Theogony and Works and Days
Explore the intriguing mind of Hesiod, an ancient Greek poet, as his works offer a window into early mythology and the human condition. Discover how his portrayal of women contrasts sharply with Biblical perspectives, depicting them often as burdens rather than blessings. Examine moral lessons from Hesiod's fable of the Hawk and the Nightingale, highlighting themes of power and justice. Lastly, delve into the philosophical differences in divine justice between Hesiod's critical view of the gods and the compassionate God found in Biblical texts.
9 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 28min
Early Greek History: The Mycenaeans to the Archaic Age
Dive into the fascinating origins of Greek civilization! Discover how the Olympic Games began and why athletes competed naked. Explore the rise of city-states and the evolution of governance, as well as the Greeks' unique culture that embraced diversity. Uncover the mysteries of the Dark Ages and how myths fueled historical narratives. Marvel at the intricate dynamics of trade and the cultural transformations that shaped a society rich in art, language, and mythology.
15 snips
Oct 27, 2024 • 28min
Jews and Greeks: A Match Made in Heaven?
Delve into the intriguing relationship between Jewish and Greek cultures, marked by historical conflicts and moments of collaboration. Discover why some Jewish scholars embraced Greek thought, even allowing Torah scrolls to be written in Greek. Examine how Greek philosophies enhance the understanding of morality and humanity, unraveling the complexities of Biblical redemption. This exploration reveals the essential role of Greek wisdom in shaping the Western intellectual heritage.
8 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 39min
The Hebrew Bible: A Covenantal Walk-Through
Dive into the rich teachings of the Hebrew Bible, examining the essence of living a life aligned with divine covenants. Explore the tension between sacrifice and the pressure to abandon faith, highlighting the stories of patriarchs and prophets. Reflect on personal and communal responsibility amidst experiences of loss and hope. Uncover the contrast between ancient and modern notions of legacy while celebrating courage and moral integrity through figures like Esther and Daniel. This journey reveals the enduring significance of the covenant in navigating life's challenges.
11 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 46min
The Bible on Government: How a Nation Should be Ruled and Redeemed
Joshua Berman, a Professor of Bible at Bar-Ilan University and author of 'Created Equal', delves into the intersection of biblical teachings and governance. He discusses how the Bible uniquely merges religious and political life, promoting a strong national identity while respecting individual significance. Contrasting ancient Near Eastern politics with biblical principles, he emphasizes community welfare over tribalism. The conversation also touches on economic policies in ancient Israel and the evolution of gender equality, offering insights into contemporary governance.
13 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 38min
Back to the Beginning: Biblical Creation as Covenantal Partnership
Explore the stark differences between the Biblical creation story and pagan narratives, especially the emphasis on humanity's purpose. Delve into why Abraham was chosen to uphold the covenant and the implications of its potential failure on the world. Discover the enduring hope within the covenantal bonds of the Jewish people and the paradox of human significance in creation. Finally, contrast Jewish political thought with pagan philosophies, highlighting the importance of dignity and community within the divine framework.
8 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 39min
Myth and Mentality: The Bible vs. the Epic of Gilgamesh
Dive into the fascinating exploration of the Epic of Gilgamesh and its insights into the pagan mindset. Uncover why this ancient myth remains relevant today and how it presents a contrasting view of a meaningful life compared to Biblical teachings. The discussions unravel themes of mortality and the quest for immortality, highlighting the differences in divine relationships and covenants between the epic’s indifferent gods and the forgiving God of the Torah. Join in as these worldviews collide, shaping our understanding of existence.
13 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 33min
The Iron Age: Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires
Explore the dramatic upheaval of the Ancient Near East as empires collide. Discover Neo-Assyrian resettlement policies and their impact on Jewish life. Delve into the clever siege tactics, including Hezekiah's tunnel, that shaped warfare narratives. Learn about the rise and fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and its cultural repercussions for Judaism. Finally, uncover how the Persian Empire, with leaders like Cyrus the Great, altered the trajectory of Jewish history.
