Exploring Jewish Thought

After discussing the transmission of Torah from Moshe to Mishna we go on to discuss the next stage of our mesorah - the Talmud.

This is the first episode of a multipart series exploring the transmission and development of Torah from Sinai to today. We're focusing on the development of our tradition from Sinai until the Mishna. In order to a convey a complex topic in a clear and concise fashion some points of discussion are simplified. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

We explore the unique nature of the Torah and its irreplicable contribution to society

We've discussed the content of the Torah, the sefarim, the stories, and the halachot, but now we need to look deeper. What are the central ideas that the entire Torah is trying to get across?

We'll take a look at the word Torah and what the name may suggest about the book itself. In addition, we'll give a brief overview of Torah Shebichtav and Baal Peh as well as what it contains.

Having discussed the origins and parameters of Jewish ideas, today we'll discuss the process by which those ideas are integrated into our broader belief system. 

In this episode we examine the difference between philosophy and Jewish Thought, as well as where we learn authentic Jewish Ideas.

In this episode we explore the emphasis that the Torah places on learning Machshava (Jewish thought and ideas) —as well as the broader purpose that it serves.

We’re exploring the concepts of heaven and hell, The Garden of Eden, the Messianic Era, and the Afterlife in the thought of Nachmanides.

One of the pillars of our faith is that punishment and reward await us in the next world in accordance with our behavior in this world. It’s a fundamental believe, but it receives no mentioning in the Torah.

Seeing the commandments as a system for eternal spiritual satisfaction: Rav Kook on Mitzvot

Seeing the commandments as spiritually strengthening exercises- The Ramchal on Mitzvot

The commandments as a purification of the soul: Mitzvot in the eyes of The Maharal

The commandments as character refinement- performing the Mitzvot through the eyes of Nachmanides. 

We explore the Rambam's perspective on the objective of performing mitzvot.