Tzarich Iyun — A Podcast from Yeshivat Orayta

Apr 14 2024 13
Tzarich Iyun — A Podcast from Yeshivat Orayta artwork

Join us as we reflect on current events and unpack central hashkafic (philosophical) questions that affect how we view the world. A forum for divergent perspectives informed by both study and lived experience, these conversations will illuminate a handful of the "shivim panim laTorah" (70 facets of Torah) and scratch the surface of ideas which may, in fact, require further exploration. Hosted by Rabbi David Silverstein. New episodes released on alternate Sundays.

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Should We Celebrate the Downfall of Our Enemies? A Special Episode for Pesach with Rav Yitzchak Blau

Apr 14 2024 49 mins  
Many observant Jews have a seder night custom to spill out some wine from their cups during the recitation of the ten plagues. What is the source of this custom? Does it reflect a Jewish instinct to mitigate happiness when one's enemies are killed? Or, is it part of a larger story about Jewish uniqueness and particularism? In this episode Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav Yitz

Is Hamas Amalek? A Special Episode for Parshat Zachor with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody

Mar 20 2024 47 mins  
This Shabbat, Jews across this world will read the Torah portion describing the requirement to eradicate Amalek. Does this mitzvah have any practical relevance nowadays? What about the moral challenges associated with this divine command? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody to discuss these issues through the lens of Israel's current war again

When Even Grandparents Are Drafted with Rav Binny Freedman [Israel at War, Part 8]

Feb 11 2024 52 mins  
After serving for many years as a Company Commander in the IDF, Rav Binny Freedman has experienced himself in a new role since October 7th—‘drafted,’ as a grandparent. Like hundreds of thousands of other families, the Freedmans have been navigating the complexities of the draft on the home-front, stepping in as their children have been called up to serve. In this episode, Rav

What We Misunderstood Before October 7th with Akiva Bigman [Israel at War, Part 7]

Jan 28 2024 61 mins  
Prior to October 7th, the Israeli political and military establishment mistakenly thought that Hamas was deterred from attacking Israel. What other misconceptions lay behind Israeli thinking? How can the Israeli government rectify these errors moving forward? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by military strategist Akiva Bigman to discuss these questions and reflect

October 7th & National Teshuva with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman [Israel at War, Part 6]

Jan 14 2024 47 mins  
Traditional Jewish theology understands that a national crisis can serve as a catalyst for collective reflection and teshuva. What can we learn from the horrors of October 7th? What national sins must be rectified moving forward? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein discusses these questions with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman through the prism of his provocative and important article,

A Civic Vision for the Day After with JJ Sussman [Israel at War, Part 5]

Dec 31 2023 52 mins  
2023 was one of the most divisive years in Israel's history. Polarization and the debate surrounding the judicial reform lead Israel to the brink of civil war culminating in altercations on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. After the horrors of October 7th, however, we have seen the country unified around a shared sense of mission and purpose. How do we maintain this

Ultra-Orthodox Jews and their Changing Relationship with the State of Israel with Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer [Israel at War, Part 4]

Dec 10 2023 65 mins  
Israeli ultra-Orthodoxy has maintained an isolationist stance toward the general public in Israel since the State’s founding. In the aftermath of October 7th, however, segments of the ultra-Orthodox community have activated to support the war effort in unprecedented ways — including some 3,000 who have drafted into the IDF. In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Ha

Anti-Semitism, Free Speech, and the Challenge of the West with Dr. Russ Roberts [Israel at War, Part 3]

Nov 19 2023 58 mins  
In the aftermath of the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7th, anti-semitic incidents have drastically increased worldwide. How should open societies committed to the freedom of expression respond? Is limiting the rights of extremist groups the answer? Or, are there other ways to curb hate speech while maintaining commitment to the free flow of ideas? In this podcast, Rabbi David

The Ethics of War with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody [Israel at War, Part 2]

Nov 12 2023 55 mins  
Western media often criticizes the IDF for "collective punishment" and a lack of proportionality in its military response to Hamas’s horrific attacks on October 7th. How are we supposed to respond to these accusations? What are Israel's ethical obligations regarding avoiding civilian casualties? Should the IDF endanger its soldiers' lives in order to protect civilians in Gaza? In

How Can Torah Sources Help Us Navigate This Difficult Time? with Rav Yitzchak Blau [Israel at War, Part 1]

Oct 29 2023 42 mins  
What Torah sources can we look to for guidance during our current crisis? How should we understand the rise in global anti-semitism and the shocking support for Hamas on some university campuses? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by Rav Yitzchak Blau to discuss these questions and offer some preliminary thoughts about the evolving situation in Israel.Rabbi Yitzchak B