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
Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
Roman Poetry: Horace, Ovid, and Seneca
Dr. Hava Bracha Korzakova, a celebrated poet and classicist from Bar-Ilan University, explores the vital role of Roman poetry in shaping Western civilization. She contrasts Roman and Greek poetry, highlighting Horace's technical mastery and Ovid's insightful portrayal of women. Korzakova delves into the mythic tapestry of Ovid’s 'Metamorphoses' and compares the entertainment-focused Roman drama with Greek theater. She also discusses Seneca's lasting influence on Christian thought and reflects on how Roman culture informs today's political and social landscapes.
10 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 31min
Rome Meets the Jews: The First Challenge to Paganism
Delve into the historical dynamics between Rome and the Jews, exploring their migration and settlement within the empire. Discover how Roman conquests influenced Jewish communities and the accommodations made for Jewish practices. Examine fascinating texts like the Pseudepigrapha and their role in shaping Jewish identity. The rivalry between Roman honor and Jewish dignity offers rich insights into cultural clashes, while debates on Jewish influence in Roman literature add layers of complexity to this captivating narrative.
Feb 13, 2025 • 39min
The Aeneid II: Rome will Rise
Rome's founding narrative continues to take shape as we move forward in The Aeneid. Together, we'll explore the following questions: How does Virgil use the story of the Trojan horse to show that the Romans are more virtuous than the Greeks? Why does Virgil place such an emphasis on the fact that Rome is not new? What role does history play in Virgil's Aeneid, as contrasted with Homer's focus on natures? Recommended Reading: Virgil. The Aeneid. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Classics, 2008.
7 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 41min
The Aeneid I: The New Hero
Dive into Virgil's Aeneid and explore how it contrasts with Homer's works, focusing on Rome's destiny over individual heroism. Discover why Aeneas is an emblem of communal leadership, driven by duty rather than rage. Unpack themes of fate, divine intervention, and the moral implications of Aeneas’ journey. The podcast reveals the intricacies of Virgil’s narrative purpose and how it reflects imperial virtues, framing Aeneas not just as a hero, but as the founding figure of Roman identity.
11 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 30min
The Pax Romana: Rome Under Augustus
Discover how Octavian Augustus transformed Rome from a vulnerable republic into a powerful empire. Delve into his clever political strategies, including public messaging and the consolidation of power through various titles. Explore the significance of Rome's trade networks and low taxation in garnering popular support. Learn about Augustus's administrative reforms that curbed corruption and his military professionalization. Witness the birth of the Pax Romana, prioritizing peace and stability, while gaining insights into cultural patronage that marked a golden age in literature.
Feb 4, 2025 • 42min
Cicero: Roman Oratory
In a deep dive into Cicero's legacy, the discussion reveals why he's celebrated as a master orator and philosopher. Discover Cicero's commitment to the Republic and his bold confrontation of the Catilinarian Conspiracy. Explore how he defends the liberal arts as vital for Roman honor, and his moral inquiries in 'On Duties.' The talk also highlights his views on natural law, the essence of a good person, and the moral responsibilities of rulers. Ultimately, it paints a portrait of a thinker concerned with ethics, reputation, and the common good.
12 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 40min
The Late Roman Republic: Its Troubles and Tribulations
Explore the dramatic decline of the Roman Republic through pivotal events and figures. Discover how the Gracchi brothers' controversial land reforms set the stage for upheaval. Dive into the fierce rivalry between Marius and Sulla, leading to the first civil war. Witness the rise of powerful triads, including Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Unpack Caesar's conquests and the contentious politics surrounding his rise. Finally, navigate the complexities of alliances, assassinations, and the transition to empire.
8 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 37min
Myth and Memory: Livy's Stories of Rome
Discover the legacy of Livy, one of Rome's greatest historians, who masterfully blends myth and moral storytelling. Explore the gripping tale of the Sabine women and their unique role as peacemakers, sacrificing honor for unity. Dive into the fraternal rivalry between Romulus and Remus and how it reflects Roman views on divine favor and violence. Unpack Camillus’s commitment to honorable warfare and the civic virtue demonstrated by Cincinnatus, which inspired American ideals. This journey reveals the complex interplay of honor and memory in Rome's history.
16 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 43min
Across the Ionian Sea: The Rise of Rome and the Punic Wars
Discover the fascinating rise of Rome as it supplants Greece, shaped by legends and military valor. Explore Carthage's maritime prowess and the gritty details of the Punic Wars, where Hannibal's daring strategies met their match in Roman resilience. Learn how Rome's conquest influenced culture, blending Greek traditions into a new identity. Along the way, delve into the complexities of Roman social classes, family authority, and the evolution from monarchy to a republic, exposing the roots of modern governance.
16 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 45min
The Dawn of the West: Hellenism and the Jews
Dive into the fascinating interplay of Hellenism and Jewish thought during the Hellenistic era. Discover how Greek culture transformed Jewish life following Alexander the Great's conquests. Explore the significance of the Septuagint and the emergence of key figures like Philo of Alexandria. Unpack the tensions between Hellenistic philosophies and Jewish traditions, from Stoicism to Cynicism. Finally, reflect on how Judaism's covenantal approach shaped Western ideas of ethics and human dignity.
