Explore every episode of the podcast The Maggid of Melbourne
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 22 | A Hasidic Prayer for Peace | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:08:01 | |
We conclude this series by explore the prayer for peace inspired by Rabbi Nahman of Breslov and penned by Rabbi Natan of Nemirov. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 21 | Extracting from the Depths of Despair | 02 Jun 2024 | 00:10:33 | |
With no visits from the Red Cross, in this hasidic tale we consider who might be visiting our brothers and sisters and they languish in captivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 20 | Keep Trying to Secure Their Release | 26 May 2024 | 00:09:03 | |
Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sasov was famous for working hard to secure the release of captives. What happened when he did not succeed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 19 | Trading Places with Hostages | 22 May 2024 | 00:07:45 | |
A moment before signing off, we explore a few hasidic tales about freeing captives. We begin with the adroit hasidic dancer, the Shpoler Zeide, and his willingness to swap places with a captive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 18 | Why Discuss Old Cases? | 19 May 2024 | 00:08:37 | |
As the series nears its conclusion – what a journey! – we summarise what we have covered and zoom out to consider the value of these harrowing cases, as we continue to pine for the return of our brothers and sisters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 17 | Military Action in the Bible | 15 May 2024 | 00:12:50 | |
The discussion up to this point has focused on understanding and applying the words of the sages. What about the Tanakh: What type of deals were offered to secure the release of captives? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 16 | A Rabbi Quotes a Lawyer and a Politician | 12 May 2024 | 00:09:39 | |
Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu seemed to rely on the opinion of a lawyer and a politician, rather than engage the halakhic sources. Certainly unexpected! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 15 | Life-Threatening Situations Override Everything | 08 May 2024 | 00:09:53 | |
We look at another rabbinic response to the 1985 Jibril deal: Rabbi Yitzhak Ralbag who argued that whoever was involved in the deal did a great mitzvah … A far cry from Rabbi Goren’s position! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 14 | Is This Really a Halakhic Question? | 21 Apr 2024 | 00:12:04 | |
Rabbi Hayim David Halevi responded to Rabbi Shlomo Goren questioning whether pidyon shvuyim – the laws of paying to secure the release of captives – is indeed the correct prism for addressing contemporary cases. Perhaps new perspectives are needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 13 | Did the Chief Rabbi Backtrack? | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:13:25 | |
Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren was vehemently critical of the 1985 Jibril agreement. We will have a look at a surprising response to this position, published eleven years after Rabbi Goren’s harsh words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 12 | Death Penalty for Terrorists | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:09:20 | |
In 1985, the Israel Government concluded the Jibril deal, exchanging 1,150 terrorists for 3 IDF soldiers. What did the Chief Rabbi of Israel think about the deal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 11 | Ask the Rabbi about Operation Thunderbolt in Entebbe | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:14:30 | |
As part of the backdrop of one of the IDF’s finest moment – the raid on Entebbe and saving over one hundred Jewish hostages in 1976 – the Prime Minister consulted the Chief Rabbi of Israel. What was said in that fateful conversation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 10 | Land for Hostages | 07 Apr 2024 | 00:11:55 | |
After the Yom Kippur war, Syria offered to return Israeli POWs in exchange for land conquered by the IDF during the war. What are the halakhic considerations of such a deal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 9 | Soldiers' Morale | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:10:28 | |
It is important to maintain confidence, determination, and drive amongst the ranks. In what way is soldiers’ morale a factor in the Pidyon Shvuyim discussion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 8 | Captured IDF Soldiers | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:10:31 | |
In the 1973 Yom Kippur war, many IDF soldiers were taken captive. Do the same pidyon shvuyim guidelines apply, or are there unique considerations when we are dealing with soldiers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 7 | Releasing Terrorists to Free Hostages | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:09:46 | |
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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 6 | Prepared to Pay | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:12:20 | |
In this episode, we recap remarkable the story of the 1970 Dawson’s Field hijackings and explore the reactions of American rabbis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 5 | Contact with the Outside | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:08:27 | |
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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 4 | Choosing to Stay | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:11:31 | |
Was there ever a time that our people left a hostage in captivity? For this episode, we travel to 13th century Germany. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 3 | The People Act | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:10:13 | |
How did the 16th century Cairo Jewish community react to kidnap situations? And how did rabbinic leaders explain the community’s conduct? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 2 | Exorbitant Ransoms & Life-Threatening Incarceration | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:10:27 | |
Should we be willing to pay any price to secure the release of captives? Surely, paying overpriced ransoms incentivises terrorists? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pidyon Shvuyim: Redeeming Captives 1 | A Lauded Objective | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:09:31 | |
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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Torah for Tough Times 3 | Images of Atrocities – A Torah Perspective | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:11:16 | |
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 a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times? In the final episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper discusses the issue of doomscrolling and addressing the horrific images that have been circulating the internet since the attacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Torah for Tough Times 2 | Prayer for the Communities Attacked | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:08:00 | |
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 a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times? In the second episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper explore what prayers could be said for those southern communities affected by this tragedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Torah for Tough Times 1 | Hallel During Wartime | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:09:02 | |
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 a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times? In the first episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper examines the question of whether we should be saying Hallel on Rosh Chodesh during a time of war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 18 | Eternal Light | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:12:32 | |
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 of the ner tamid. We’ll discover some of the earliest mentions of the ner tamid, and explore some of the spiritual beliefs tied to this important piece of a sacred space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 17 | Dedication Plaques | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:09:07 | |
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 16 | Unfinished Synagogues | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:09:40 | |
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 whether or not a synagogue should also remain incomplete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 15 | Structural Damage | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:12:57 | |
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? We’ve already learned that we must treat the structure with proper sanctity and if one were to do damage, they are liable for the costs of repair, but what about cases where there is no liable adult to be blamed? Who pays for it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 14 | Mysticism in Synagogue Design | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:09:44 | |
https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-14-mysticism-in-window-design/ 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 The post Episode 14: Mysticism in Synagogue Design first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Episode 14: Mysticism in Synagogue Design at Elmad Online Learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 13 | Window Design | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:11:26 | |
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. It isn’t as simple as copying those windows, however, as many questions arise regarding how those windows may have been designed. Was there transparent glass? Simple shuttered openings? Listen now to learn what options we may have when designing synagogue windows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 12 | Smell and Sight | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:10:21 | |
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 the story, one telling us that Rav Amital’s reaction was based on scent, but another teaches that it was related to sight. Sight, perhaps we could understand, but scent? Listen in to find out why both senses are important when planning our sacred spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 11 | Windows for Prayer | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:11:38 | |
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 they play in our synagogues? Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he examines the Rambam and later authorities on their position regarding windows in shul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 10 | Karate Kicks on Synagogue Walls | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:10:21 | |
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. Drawing on historical sources, including this week’s parsha, and reflections from our modern context, in today’s episode we’ll learn about how to handle matters related to treating our synagogues with respect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces Episode 9 | Menorah or Chanukiya | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:12:52 | |
https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-9-menorah-or-chanukiya/
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 The post Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya at Elmad Online Learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 8 | Lions in Shul | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:09:00 | |
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? How can we find a decor that aids us in spiritual connection while also respecting Jewish law? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 7 | Holy Arks | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:11:03 | |
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 options, from burial to repurposing, are considered within the framework of Jewish Law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 6 | Halakhot of Air Conditioners | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:10:57 | |
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 in use? What if someone accidentally leaves the air conditioner on? Take a deep dive into the halakhot of air conditioners with this episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sacred Spaces.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 5 | Blessings at Eye Level | 04 Aug 2023 | 00:10:34 | |
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 be raised up from the floor. While we have learned that the blessing should be done whether or not there are steps, we must ask what we should do in such cases. The Maggid of Melbourne walks us through several possible solutions, including the use of symbolic elevation. We’ll also learn some of the possible reasons why we have such a tradition, such as honoring the Holy Presences and connecting to the steps of the ancient Temple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 4 | Stepping up to Offer Blessings | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:12:24 | |
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 they step up? What if there is no space, or some other challenges that would prevent building that step up? Together with the Maggid of Melbourne, we’ll examine historical and halachic perspectives on designing the steps and platform that lead to the Aron Kodesh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 3 | Tied to the Lectern – A Hasidic Tale | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:11:38 | |
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, confusing everyone in the synagogue. With this in mind, we’ll continue to look into the architectural design of synagogues, and how such stories can impact the architectural decisions we make. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 2 | Small Steps for Prayer Leaders | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:12:00 | |
https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-2-small-steps-for-prayer-leaders/
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 The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 2: Small Steps for Prayer Leaders first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Exploring Sacred Spaces 1 | Octagon Synagogues, Tradition, and Innovation | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:14:04 | |
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 octagon rather than a square. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 7 | Frankfurt Perspectives | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:09:18 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 6 | Symbolic Pigs | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:11:18 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 5 | Pork Prohibition | 16 Feb 2023 | 00:09:44 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 4 | Do We Know Why? | 09 Feb 2023 | 00:10:34 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 3 | Synthetic Swine | 02 Feb 2023 | 00:10:23 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law & Lore 2 | Bacon Evolution | 26 Jan 2023 | 00:11:39 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pigs in Jewish Law and Lore 1 | Permitting the Forbidden | 19 Jan 2023 | 00:10:41 | |
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 Legal Theory, Levi Cooper delved into various aspects of pigs in Jewish law and Jewish lore. Thanks to guidance from the local rabbinic leadership and the KosherScan app, Levi had no problems keeping kosher, but this did not stop him embarking on an intellectual voyage of discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||