Torah Jazz

Jonathan Reiser
  • 5.0 (1)
  • JUDAISM

Why Torah Jazz? The nature of these classes is meant to reflect Torah's nature as a song. For me, that song is Jazz. These are ideas that sparked my interest over the course of the week, got me thinking about themes and motifs, and riffing on them to see where it ends up. By not shying away from the tough questions, a Torah Jazz can hit some pretty unexpected notes and yet harmonize into a bigger concept. Dissonance and Harmony. Sturm und Drang. Contemporary and Classic. And that's a thing of beauty.

  1. 12/19/2025

    Channukah - What is a "Candle"? The Maharal would like to have a word with you.

    Torah Jazz

    1h 3m

  2. 11/03/2024

    Chukas – Rock On

    Different approaches as to what went wrong at the rock. The role of water, clouds, and heavenly bread reflected in our three greatest teachers and how they ultimately affect our destiny.

    1h 4m

  3. 11/03/2024

    Korach – World's greatest political mastermind

    The greatest political campaign of all time, the Kulanu Kedoshim campaign. A campaign so powerful it takes 2 miracles and a plague to end it. How our sages understood division in a breathtaking Mishna in Pirkei Avos.

    1 hr

  4. 11/03/2024

    BeHaaloscha – Light it UP!

    A truly awesome Rashi, buttressed by the Ramban's retort, and embellished by an Alshich! All along trying to answer the age old question, "What's so great about lighting a Menorah?" Enlightening.

    58 min

  5. 11/03/2024

    BeHar/BeChukosai – What DOES Shmitta have to do with Har Sinai?

    Reopening the case on Shmitta and Har Sinai. Does Rashi really answer the question? What do these two concepts have to do with one another? How is this meant to impact us with Shavuos fast approaching?

    53 min

  6. 11/03/2024

    Achrei Mos/Kedoshim – Whose kind of holy.

    Delving deep into the Ramban and Rashi's definition of Kedoshim. Why are they arguing? And the bomb dropped by, you betcha', the Ksav V'HaKaballah himself. the holy R' Yaakov Zvi Meklemberg, and the question to which I have no answer. It's a doozy.

    48 min

  7. 11/03/2024

    The Metzorah and the Pascal Lamb

    We discuss a cryptic Ibn Ezra that parallels the events of purifying the Metzorah with the Pesach in Mitzrayim. You can also watch it here. And here are the sources.

    1 hr

  8. 11/03/2024

    Tazria/Metzorah – The joys of affliction

    "How does the ba'al Tzaraas get to be the bearer of good tidings for the Jewish people?" An awesome Rambam, a troubling Rashi, and a lip-smacking Chiddushei HaRim.

    51 min
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About

Why Torah Jazz? The nature of these classes is meant to reflect Torah's nature as a song. For me, that song is Jazz. These are ideas that sparked my interest over the course of the week, got me thinking about themes and motifs, and riffing on them to see where it ends up. By not shying away from the tough questions, a Torah Jazz can hit some pretty unexpected notes and yet harmonize into a bigger concept. Dissonance and Harmony. Sturm und Drang. Contemporary and Classic. And that's a thing of beauty.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Reiser
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Torah Jazz