Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Geoffrey Stern
  • 5.0 (15)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Malcolm Gladwell of the Torah -- That's how listeners describe Madlik™ – where sharp insight meets sacred text. With the curiosity of a cultural critic and the soul of a yeshiva bochur, Madlik ignites Jewish thought from a post-orthodox perspective. Each weekly episode explores the Torah with fresh eyes — drawing unexpected connections, challenging assumptions, and offering a heterodox yet deeply rooted take on halachic and philosophical questions. Born of a lifelong love for Jewish texts and a refusal to let tradition become static, Madlik keeps the flame of Judaism burning — not by preserving the embers, but by lighting new fires. In Hebrew, מדליק (Madlik) means to ignite. But in modern slang, it simply means cool. We aim to be both.

  1. 2D AGO

    Sarah's Separation from Abraham | With Prof. Rabbi Wendy Zierler

    What happens when women finally enter the conversation that's been about them all along? In this episode of Madlik: Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Prof. Rabbi Wendy Zierler — Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at HUC-JIR, ordained by Yeshivat Maharat, and author of Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry. Key Takeaways Expect to rethink assumptions about primary biblical characters—especially the matriarchs—and appreciate the living tradition of midrash as a vehicle for creativity and challenge. Hear how feminist perspectives and modern poetry revitalize Jewish text study, offering new interpretations for "the life of Sarah"—and the legacies that women shape. Explore the argument that literary and artistic creation in Hebrew is as much a part of Jewish commentary as classic text study. Timestamps [00:00:00] Geoffrey introduces the episode and guest Rabbi Professor Wendy Zierler, setting up a feminist exploration of Sarah's story in Genesis. [00:02:31] Discussion begins on Sarah's laughter and how women's scholarship reframes her response and role in Torah narratives. [00:03:46] Wendy explains the irony of "Chayei Sarah" focusing on Sarah's death and how reading the gaps reveals her inner life. [00:05:36] They examine Abraham and Sarah's separation after the Akedah and what it reveals about love, obedience, and divine testing. [00:09:02] Wendy argues the Akedah causes a rupture—between Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Isaac, and even Abraham and God. [00:12:40] The hosts explore new feminist midrash: Sarah's imagined agency, waiting for angels, and representing love over fear. [00:17:22] Conversation turns to Sarah's burial choice as an act of leadership that shaped the matriarchal roots of the Jewish story. [00:19:53] Transition to Wendy's book Going Out with Knots and how Hebrew poetry became her lens for mourning and feminist study. [00:21:41] Wendy teaches Leia Goldberg's reinterpretation of "the three pillars of the world," highlighting women's creative renewal of tradition. [00:26:42] Discussion closes with Yehuda Amichai's outsider voice, women's return to Hebrew literature, and modern creativity as living midrash. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet:https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/688219 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Link to Wendy's Book: https://jps.org/books/going-out-with-knots/ Link to theTorah.com article: https://www.thetorah.com/article/sarah-finally-separates-herself-from-abraham

    33 min

  2. NOV 5

    Nobody Wants This - Argument With God

    A Netflix rom-com jokes that Judaism "encourages me to argue." Turns out, that's not a joke—it's what set Abraham apart. A Netflix rom-com gives us a throwaway line that might be the most Jewish thing ever said on screen. When a young rabbi admits that Judaism loves two opposing opinions, his girlfriend lights up: "A religion that encourages me to argue? Love that." It's meant as a joke, but this week's Torah portion proves her right. Sarah laughs at divine promises, Abraham bargains with God over justice, and on Mount Moriah, even silence feels like protest. Judaism doesn't shy from disagreement—it builds holiness out of it. In Nobody Wants This Argument With God, we explore how faith, laughter, and dissent became inseparable in the Jewish imagination. Key Takeaways From Sarah's laughter to Abraham's debate, the Torah's heroes don't obey blindly — they question boldly. In Judaism, arguing with God isn't heresy — it's how prayer begins. Laughter is not only a survival mechanism its an act of defiance. Timestamps [00:00:00] Opening story – bingeing "Nobody Wants That" and connecting its theme of argument to the Abraham story. [00:01:22] Framing the Torah portions – arguing as Judaism's "love language." [00:02:19] Introduction to the podcast and this week's Parsha topic. [00:05:34] Beginning analysis of Genesis 18 – Sarah's laughter and disbelief. [00:08:09] Discussion of women's Torah commentary and reinterpretation of Sarah's fear. [00:12:30] Transition to the Sodom narrative – Abraham arguing with God. [00:17:41] Exploration of rabbinic interpretations that amplify Abraham's argument. [00:20:07] "Prayer as battle" – how the rabbis turned debate with God into daily practice. [00:26:13] Transition to the Binding of Isaac – silent inner arguments and faith. [00:30:44] Closing reflections – dialogue with God as Judaism's defining feature and farewell. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet:https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/686496 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

    31 min

  3. OCT 29

    Israel More Inclusive? An Immigrant's Perspective

    3,000 years after Abraham heard the call to go forth, a group of 20 somethings booked a one-way ticket to Ben-Gurion. What if the journey of Abraham in the Torah mirrors the modern-day aliyah experience? In this episode we dive into the modern-day "Lech Lecha" story with Noah Efron from The Promised Podcast. From his Young Judea roots to teaching at Bar Ilan University, Noah shares his journey of making aliyah (immigration to Israel) from America in the early 80s, offering a fascinating perspective on what it means to "go forth" in our generation. Key Takeaways The power of community in the aliyah experience The unique perspective of being both an insider and outsider in Israel The evolving nature of Israeli society towards greater inclusivity Timestamps [00:00:00] – Opening narration: "Picture standing on the edge of an unfamiliar land…" — Sets up Abraham's journey and the metaphor for modern Aliyah. [00:00:48] – Introduction of guest: Geoffrey introduces Noah Efron and outlines his background—academic, political, and as host of The Promised Podcast. [00:02:00] – Podcast welcome + theme framing: Geoffrey and Rabbi Adam introduce the episode's focus—connecting Abraham's "Lech Lecha" journey to Noah's personal Aliyah story. [00:05:46] – Noah begins his Aliyah story: Reflects on family, children, and how Young Judaea shaped his decision to move to Israel with his wife and friends. [00:09:54] – Community and creation: Noah describes building new communities, egalitarian spaces, and shaping Israel through civic involvement and local politics. [00:11:22] – Raising Israeli-born children: Noah reflects emotionally on seeing his kids grow up Hebrew-speaking, communal, and connected—contrasting American vs. Israeli culture. [00:15:42] – Anglo influence in Israel: Discussion turns to American Jews' cultural and social contributions—environmentalism, NGOs, and pluralism—forming a distinct "ethnic group" within Israel. [00:20:31] – Bridging identities: Noah explains how he respects Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) culture and values, despite being secular-left politically—revealing his nuanced, integrative outlook. [00:28:24] – Text study & reflection: Geoffrey brings in a Midrash about Abraham choosing industrious Canaanites; parallels to modern Israeli industriousness ("startup nation") and shared society. [00:29:55] – Closing vision: Noah's optimism—believing Israeli society continues to expand its "us," becoming more inclusive, compassionate, and interconnected. Ends with reflection on Ger v'Toshav (stranger and citizen) identity. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/684491 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

    38 min

  4. OCT 22

    The Role of Language in Preventing Global Conflicts

    Do They Really Speak with One Voice?" Yigal Carmon on the Arab Street In a world where words can both unite and divide, understanding the true meaning behind them is more crucial than ever. This week's Madlik episode delves deep into the power of language, translation, and cultural understanding with special guest Yigal Carmon, founder of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). Key Takeaways The Deception of Unity: The illusion of a single voice in the Arab world often masks complex realities and diverse opinions. Translation is Not Enough: Simply bridging the language gap doesn't guarantee understanding. Context and cultural nuances are crucial. Hope in Unexpected Places: Amid challenges, there are voices of reform and progress in the Middle East that often go unnoticed. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Yigal Carmon and MEMRI 01:50 Welcome to Madlik 02:13 Introducing Yigal Carmon 04:09 Yigal Carmon's Personal Journey 07:28 The Power of Language and Translation 11:42 Warnings and Ignored Signs 22:25 Current Geopolitical Landscape 35:03 Challenges and Hope for the Future 37:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/682911 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Memri website: https://www.memri.org/

    38 min

  5. OCT 8

    What if the Passover Seder was held in our Sukkah?

    The Exodus isn't just a story—it's the operating system of Jewish practice. Most of us were taught that the reason we sit in a sukkah for a full week is to commemorate the booths that the Children of Israel lived in during their forty years in the desert. We might even quote the verse in Leviticus that makes this claim — the only agricultural holiday that the Torah itself re-purposes. The problem is… not only modern scholars, but all the classical rabbinic commentators either don't take that explanation literally or find it riddled with problems. Over and over again, the Torah describes the Israelites living in tents, not harvest booths. If Sukkot really commemorates the Exodus, why don't we hold the Passover seder inside a sukkah? And while we're at it — what crops did the Israelites grow in the desert that could justify a harvest festival at all? Rashi turns the booths into clouds of glory. Rashbam turns them into a moral test of humility and gratitude. Ibn Ezra points to cold desert nights, while Rabbeinu Bahya imagines caravans bringing the necessary organic, plant-based roofing materials (Schach) from afar. Everyone, it seems, is trying to solve a puzzle. And that puzzle leads to a deeper question: Why does the Torah — and later Judaism — weave "Remembering the Exodus from Egypt" (zecher l'tziat Mitzrayim) into every corner of Jewish life? Into holidays that have nothing to do with Egypt, into Shabbat, even into the laws of interest and weights and measures. As we finish the Five Books of Moses, we marvel at how the Exodus became Judaism's Operating System. Key Takeaways The Torah itself repurposed Sukkot to commemorate the Exodus, sparking centuries of discussion. Rabbinic commentators struggled to reconcile agricultural roots with historical significance. Sukkot exemplifies how the Exodus narrative became the "operating system" of Jewish practice. Timestamps 00:00 Exploring the Connection Between Sukkot and the Exodus 00:59 Transitioning from High Holidays to Sukkot 02:04 The Agricultural and Historical Significance of Sukkot 06:08 Rashi's Interpretation: Clouds of Glory vs. Literal Booths 13:29 Modern Academic Perspectives on Sukkot 24:12 The Broader Impact of the Exodus on Jewish Tradition 30:06 Jonah's Booth and the Connection to Yom Kippur 32:05 Conclusion and Reflections Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/680496 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

    33 min

  6. OCT 1

    Asking Permission to Pray

    From Moses to Leonard Cohen: The unexpected dilemma at the heart of Jewish prayer Leonard Cohen called If It Be Your Will "a sort of a prayer." In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz uncover just how deeply Jewish that prayer really is. Drawing on the words of Moses in Ha'azinu, the Psalms of David, the prayer of Hannah, and rabbinic debates in the Talmud and Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, we explore how Cohen's haunting lyrics echo one of the most radical ideas in Jewish liturgy: that prayer itself requires God's permission. From whispered lips to audacious praise, from silence as the highest form of worship to the chutzpah of demanding forgiveness, this episode connects the High Holidays' most prayer-rich moments to Cohen's timeless song. Was Cohen consciously channeling biblical and rabbinic texts he knew from childhood? We think the evidence is striking. Join us as we show how If It Be Your Will isn't just a song—it's the continuation of a 3,000-year-old Jewish wrestling match with the meaning of prayer. Key Takeaways The Audacity of Prayer: We examine the chutzpah of addressing God and the need for "permission" to pray. Silent Revolution: Hannah's innovation of praying silently and its impact on Jewish prayer traditions. Words Matter: The power and peril of language in prayer, and why sometimes silence speaks loudest. Timestamps [00:00:00] Opening reflection on Yom Kippur and the nature of prayer. [00:02:00] Deuteronomy 32—Moses asking permission to speak. [00:04:00] Psalms as a source: prayer from both mouth and heart. [00:06:00] Transition from singular to plural in liturgy. [00:10:00] Hannah's silent prayer as a model for Jewish prayer. [00:13:00] Out loud vs. silent prayer; Shema as an exception. [00:17:00] Can one pray all day? Talmudic debate. [00:20:00] Concluding prayers about words and their power. [00:23:00] The audacity of praising God—permission to pray. [00:28:00] Leonard Cohen's "If It Be Your Will" as modern midrash. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/679254 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Leonard Cohen - If It Be Your Will - https://youtu.be/SDemnguRYj4?si=7YGgCucKZ5-0fwFy

    32 min

  7. SEP 25

    Yom Kippur: Reflecting on Age

    What if our High Holiday rituals are secretly about confronting aging? Aging Gracefully: Rethinking Our Approach to the Elderly As we approach Yom Kippur, a time of reflection and renewal, it's fitting to explore a topic that touches us all: aging. In this episode of Madlik, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of how our society treats and cares for the elderly. With insights from our special guest, Yossi Heymann, director of JDC Eshel and the visionary behind Muni100, we uncover surprising perspectives on aging in Jewish tradition and modern Israel. Key Takeaways Ancient Assumptions: Did Jewish society assume the elderly would be cared for in ways we've forgotten? Hidden Strength: Moses at 120 - a paradox of frailty and vigor that challenges our perceptions of aging. Modern Solutions: Discover how Israeli municipalities are redesigning cities to promote "optimal aging" for centenarians. Timestamps [00:00:00] Geoffrey opens: Bible's silence on elderly as vulnerable; Moses at 120—weakness or hidden strength? [00:01:00] High Holidays as communal ritual for aging; guest Yossi Hyman introduced. [00:02:37] Yossi's background: IDF career → JDC Eshel → Muni 100 mission on optimal aging. [00:05:57] Geoffrey on Moses' mobility, Rashi's interpretations, bias against infirmity. [00:08:27] Adam: Torah rarely shows sickness; pre-modern view of aging and illness. [00:12:08] Yossi explains Muni 100's 3 indicators: mobility, walking, participation. [00:18:33] Social needs of elderly: synagogue, camaraderie, public spaces. [00:23:15] Honoring elderly vs. sages; wisdom and age in Jewish tradition. [00:26:27] Yossi: Israel's family culture, aging in place, survey of 12,000 adults. [00:33:27] Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur as communal confrontation with aging; closing reflections and blessings. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/678049 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

    38 min

  8. SEP 18

    The Original Sermon on the Mount — Jewish Edition

    From Woodchoppers to Kings: How the Torah's Radical Covenant Redefined Ancient Politics In this episode we're diving into the radical inclusivity of the covenant in Parashat Nitzavim. From princes to woodchoppers, everyone is called to stand before God. But there's more to this than meets the eye. We explore how the rabbis upped the ante, suggesting these "woodchoppers and water carriers" might have been outsiders or even forbidden Canaanites. This covenant wasn't just inclusive - it was pushing boundaries. Key Takeaways Radical Inclusion: The covenant encompasses everyone, from leaders to strangers, even those not yet born. It's a deliberate expansion of who "belongs." Divine Democracy: By making God the sole sovereign, the covenant undermines human hierarchies. It's a blueprint for egalitarian society. Movement Dynamics: The text reveals an evolving community, with various motivations for joining. It challenges our notions of purity and belonging. Timestamps [00:00] The first "We the People" — long before Jefferson [01:20] Who were the wood choppers and water carriers? [03:10] Covenant as a new movement before entering the land [05:30] Outsiders joining Israel — sincere converts or cunning opportunists? [07:45] Commentaries on inclusion, agency, and social hierarchy [10:00] The mixed multitude and converts of convenience [12:45] Are menial roles punishment or sacred service? [14:20] Radical responsibility — why every member matters [20:10] Joshua and the Gibeonites: deception, covenant, and consequences [28:15] Covenant as political revolution — God as king, no man as master Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/675947 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

    32 min
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About

The Malcolm Gladwell of the Torah -- That's how listeners describe Madlik™ – where sharp insight meets sacred text. With the curiosity of a cultural critic and the soul of a yeshiva bochur, Madlik ignites Jewish thought from a post-orthodox perspective. Each weekly episode explores the Torah with fresh eyes — drawing unexpected connections, challenging assumptions, and offering a heterodox yet deeply rooted take on halachic and philosophical questions. Born of a lifelong love for Jewish texts and a refusal to let tradition become static, Madlik keeps the flame of Judaism burning — not by preserving the embers, but by lighting new fires. In Hebrew, מדליק (Madlik) means to ignite. But in modern slang, it simply means cool. We aim to be both.

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