So, what does Judaism say about...?

Jun 25 2024 122 ep. 22 mins 61

So, what does Judaism say about...? Podcast artwork

Join two rabbis at the University of Pennsylvania, one a Wharton Business School graduate, the other a yeshiva-trained master Talmudist, exploring Torah Judaism's perspective on just about everything in life.

Religion & Spirituality

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Prayer 1 | Significance of Minyan (communal prayer), Hebrew & Aramaic

Jun 25 2024 28 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox kick off their Prayer series by discussing the power and significance of communal vs. individual prayer, or Minyan, as well as why it is important to pray in Hebrew vs. any other language, and finally the secret to the Aramaic aspects of our Jewish liturgy.

Gratitude to America | July 4

Jun 20 2024 25 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the special obligation for Jewish people to express gratitude to the Unites States as our host country, and how Torah institutions have thrived here since the founding of the country. Happy July 4!

Purim & Drinking

Mar 07 2024 22 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique mitzvah of drinking to intoxication on Purim.

Blessings of the Shema | Creating Good & Evil

Mar 07 2024 23 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox unpack the introductory blessings to the Shema declaration that are recited daily in the morning prayer service. It is the longest blessing in Jewish liturgy, and includes deciphering the idea that God created good and evil, and that they in fact are both rooted and sourced from God.

Demons

Feb 16 2024 32 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Jewish sources for the existence of demons, including in the Torah itself, as well as the approach many authoritative commentaries have taken to the literal, physical, metaphysical, or allegorical existence of demons. Enjoy! (another shoutout to Rebecca!)

Who wrote the Prophets and Writings (and who cares?) | TaNaCH authors

Feb 12 2024 36 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the debate about who wrote the books of Prophets and Writings, including the works of King Solomon and King David. A fascinating discussion, as it is not as obvious as it seems, and how this has lead to an overly academic approach to these moral teachings. (Shoutout to Rebecca!)

'Tis the season! | Gift-giving in Judaism | Chanukah and beyond

Dec 22 2023 23 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the age-old practice of exchanging and giving gifts at seasoned times, like Chanukah and anniversaries. Is giving and receiving gifts a Jewish value or a copy-cat keep up with the Joneses attempt to be like other cultures we see in America?

Kohanim (Priests) | Role Models vs. Leadership

Dec 22 2023 20 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the priests of the Jewish nation, the Kohanim, and their unique position as role models as opposed to leaders or kings of the nation. What was special about Kohanim during the times when the Temple stood and how does that carried out today in our times? Are Kohanim special today?

Abraham's Greatness

Nov 07 2023 34 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique character traits and actions that made Abraham great in God's eyes and in the eyes of the world, and fitting to be the progenitor of the Jewish people.

War Response | We’re all in a position to help!

Oct 13 2023 32 mins

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how we’re all in a position to help. Every Jew can make a substantial contribution when Israel is under attack , no matter where we are in the world, we can contribute to the war effort in Israel, not only financially, but through our individual activism, actions, and spiritual and emotional support.