Explore every episode of the podcast The Maggid of Melbourne

If terrorists demand the release of other terrorists in order to free hostages, is this a case of pidyon shvuyim? Perhaps this scenario should be considered under a different legal rubric?

Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty… Read the rest

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In this episode, we recap remarkable the story of the 1970 Dawson’s Field hijackings and explore the reactions of American rabbis.

Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty

 … Read the rest

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Israel requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross visits our brothers and sisters who are held hostage in Gaza. Do we have precedents in the annals of Jewish history for visiting captives?

Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper – Pardes … Read the rest

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Was there ever a time that our people left a hostage in captivity? For this episode, we travel to 13th century Germany.

Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty… Read the rest

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How did the 16th century Cairo Jewish community react to kidnap situations? And how did rabbinic leaders explain the community’s conduct?

Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty… Read the rest

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Should we be willing to pay any price to secure the release of captives? Surely, paying overpriced ransoms incentivises terrorists?

Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty

 … Read the rest

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The Maggid of Melbourne opens this series with a look at the centrality of securing the release of hostages. Why is this considered such an important mitzvah?

Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty

 … Read the rest

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On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during … Read the rest

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On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during … Read the rest

The post Torah for Tough Times: Prayer for the Communities Attacked first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during … Read the rest

The post Torah for Tough Times: Hallel During Wartime first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Where did the tradition of lighting a ner tamid (Eternal Light) in a synagogue begin? In this final episode of Exploring Sacred Spaces, the Maggid of Melbourne looks to the sources once again, this time in search of the history … Read the rest

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Is it acceptable to place a dedication plaque in a sacred space? In today’s episode, we go back to the Tanakh, learning about the building of the Temple, and other early sources as we examine this complex topic.

Credits: Rabbi … Read the rest

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Sometimes when you walk into a Jewish home you are immediately confronted by a portion of the wall that is incomplete. Why is that? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne explores this tradition, discussing the reason for it, and … Read the rest

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In the wake of the terrifying earthquake that struck Turkey, the Maggid of Melbourne dedicated this episode on structural damage to the people of Turkey.

What do we do when there is a crack in the wall of a synagogue? … Read the rest

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There’s more to windows and synagogues than meets the eye. In this episode, the Maggid of Melbourne continues his discussion on windows in synagogues. Searching for guidance on how many windows should be used, we look to the mystical text … Read the rest

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If, as we’ve learned, we are meant to have windows, is there a specific way they should be designed? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne leads us with an examination of the windows that were found in the Temple. … Read the rest

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The Maggid of Melbourne brings another tale, this time about the planning of the building of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Rav Amital’s reaction to learning there would be no windows in the Beit Midrash. We learn of two versions of … Read the rest

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Do synagogues need windows? Going back to the time of Daniel, we learn that windows have played a role in prayer, but does that mean that windows are required? Why would we even need windows, what particular role would … Read the rest

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From watching children practice their karate kicks to remembering stories of shared walls with homes, the Maggid of Melbourne embarks on a fascinating discussion about the sanctity of synagogue walls and the challenges of using them for the mundane. … Read the rest

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We see them all the time in our Jewish spaces, but what exactly is the role of the Chanukiya within synagogues? Join Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, as he leads us on a fascinating exploration of … Read the rest

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The symbolism of lions has been seen throughout Ashkenazi synagogues. Yet, in 1949, Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel cautioned the use of images in synagogues due to the prohibition of graven images. How do we approach these images in synagogues? … Read the rest

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In today’s episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sacred Spaces” we dive into the significance of the Holy Ark in a synagogue and the dilemma of dealing with an existing Ark when moving to a new space. Various … Read the rest

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Is there an obligation to have air conditioners or heaters in a synagogue? If we do have air conditioners, what considerations do we need to take? Is it alright to leave an air conditioner on when the synagogue isn’t … Read the rest

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We continue our examination of the duchan (platform) from which the Kohanim offer blessings to the congregation. As we know from the previous episode, the Kohanim are meant to go up to the duchan, meaning the duchan should … Read the rest

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In previous episodes, the Maggid of Melbourne discussed how the Hazzan should approach the lectern, examining the question of whether one should step up or down. What about when the Kohanim come forward to lead the priestly blessing? Must … Read the rest

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Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he continues his exploration of where the Hazzan (prayer leader) stands as he leads prayers. Levi brings in a tale of a Hasidic man who ties himself to the lectern during their service, … Read the rest

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In this second episode of “Exploring Sacred Spaces,” the Maggid of Melbourne shares insights into the bimah and how we approach it. How is the Hazzan supposed to approach or descend, and what are the practical and spiritual implications?… Read the rest

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In this first episode of “Exploring Sacred Spaces,” the Maggid of Melbourne takes us back to 1787, exploring a responsum by Rabbi Yehezkel Landau that discusses whether it is permissible to build a synagogue in the shape of an … Read the rest

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

The post Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore: Pork Prohibition first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

The post Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore: Do We Know Why? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

The post Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore: Bacon Evolution first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

The Maggid of Melbourne was recently on a research trip to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. While in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and … Read the rest

The post Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore: Permitting the Forbidden first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Cashew Apples first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Surgically Removing the Heart of Palm first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Blessed Capers first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Making Sweet Lemons Out of Bananas first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Go Bananas first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Can a Fruit Become a Vegetable first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Passionfruit Perspectives first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Papaya Problems first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: Eggplant Experiences first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Halakha of the Harvest with the Maggid of Melbourne, Levi Cooper

Fruit and vegetables are part of healthy living. In this series, the Maggid of Melbourne looks at some of the halakhic issues associated with defining what is a fruit … Read the rest

The post Halakha of the Harvest: The Hidden Identity of Forbidden Fruits first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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