Sephardic Luminaries

In this podcast we explore the cultural and theological differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, differences which stem from interaction with their surrounding cultures and religions.

This podcast is dedicated to of my dear friend and mentor, Rabbi Ezra Labaton זצ"ל, on the fifth anniversary of his passing , which was a devastating loss for his loving family and loyal friends and disciples, and also left a tremendous void in the Jewish world and particularly in the Syrian community.

Text and commentary of a beautiful poem by R Yehuda HaLevi.

R Gaguine discusses the strict boundaries between the Sephardic and Ashkenazie communities in Amsterdam. He presents the historic argument that has to do with the attempt to convince people to stay within the fold of their communities so not to lose their membership fees and taxes. He also tries to determine whether there was a halakhic reason for the practice. He tried, unsuccessf

In this session we discuss the possibility of writing the Torah in other languages. The dispute between the rabbis regarding the ways to analyze the Torah. The importance of studying the whole Bible.

On limitations, empathy, and flexibility.

In this session we discuss the ritual of returning the Torah to the Ark. The different titles of the positions in the synagogue. The structure of the social system in Jewish communities, in the role of the minors in the snow.

The practices described in chapter 14, and the ceaseless Torah scroll are more reminiscent of the Ashkenazi tradition.

In this session we discussed the blessings for reading other portions of the Bible. We also discussed the special connection according to mystical teachings of the song of songs to Friday night.

In this session we discuss the stops during the reading of the Torah. How one should read the blessings and the curses in the Torah. What sections have a special status.