305 episodes
Torah Cafe Zalman Gordon
-
- Religion & Spirituality
A discussion on a topic from the week's Parsha covering many important parts of Judaism that are not regularly addressed. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support
-
The Shulchan Aruch - Code of Jewish Law
One of the most important works in Judaism is the Shulchan Aruch, often called the Code of Jewish Law. Since the Shulchan Aruch was printed in the 16th century it has become the primary source for Jewish law. What is unique about the Shulchan Aruch? Why is it so important to Jewish law?
A fascinating discussion about the Shulchan Aruch, how it was written and why it is so important to Jews.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support -
The Jewish Family
The Jewish family has been one of the key pillars of Judaism. Jews retained and valued the nuclear family unit along with the extended family even when many around them lost it.
A fascinating discussion about the role of family in Judaism and particularly, the role of fathers.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support -
The Importance of Jewish Pride
Jews have been persecuted for most of our 3,000 year history. Some Jews responded to anti-Jewish persecution by attempting to assimilate or follow the dictates of those who hate them. Most Jews have responded by displaying pride in their Judaism and in their identity.
A fascinating discussion about Jewish pride and its importance as part of a response to antisemitism.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support -
Does Judaism Allow Slavery?
The Torah has various rules and laws for owning slaves. Throughout the early part of Jewish history, Jews owned slaves. Does Judaism allow for slavery? Is it ever okay for one human to own another?
Since the Era of Enlightenment and particularly since the end of the Civil War in the United States, slavery has been viewed as a horrible institution and contrary to human rights and human dignity. How can we reconcile Judaism's approach to slavery with our modern understanding of the evil of slavery?
A fascinating discussion about Judaism and slavery.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support -
Jewish Farming
For the first 2,000 years or so of Judaism, Jews were mostly agrarian farmers. Many of the commandments of the Torah involve farming and agriculture particularly in the land of Israel. There are rules about how and when to plant and harvest, tithes, gifts for the poor and gifts for G-d.
Most Jews left farming about 1,300 years ago but there have been repeated attempts to return Jews to the farm in the years since.
A fascinating class about the history and laws of Jewish farming.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support -
Is it Kosher to Feel Resentment?
When someone is wronged, it is human nature to feel resentment towards the person who wronged them. Is it okay to feel resentment? Can we do something to express that resentment? Or should we just turn the other cheek?
A fascinating discussion about the Jewish view of resentment.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zalman-gordon/support