Thank God for the Rebellious Son
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
Why Some Torah Laws were Meant to be Heard not followed Live at the JCC’s new Shtiebel, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz ask: what do we learn from laws that never happened? From the rebellious son to Bialik’s Halakha and Aggada, discover halakhah as a language of Jewish life. In this week's episode of Madlik, we delve into a fascinating exploration of Jewish law that challenges our conventional understanding of mitzvot (commandments). As we navigate through the complexities of Halakhah, we uncover a profound truth: sometimes, the most impactful lessons come not from observance, but...
info_outline
Intentional and Unintentional Holiness
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
Are there times were we should strive not to be present or in the moment? As we enter the month of Elul and approach the High Holidays, many of us instinctively tighten our grip on spiritual practices. We double down on prayer, intensify our focus, and strive for flawless kavanah (intention). But what if true holiness sometimes emerges when we loosen our hold? In this week's Torah portion, Ki Teitze, we encounter a surprising perspective on mitzvot (commandments) that challenges our assumptions about intentionality and control. Let's explore how embracing the unintentional might deepen our...
info_outline
Can You Bribe God? Rethinking Yom Kippur
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The Torah bans bribery — so why do our holiest rituals look like payoffs? We're diving into a provocative topic as we enter the month of Elul - bribes, sacrifices, and cosmic payoffs in Judaism. We explore the tension between Deuteronomy's clear prohibition on bribery and the sacrificial rituals found elsewhere in the Torah that look suspiciously like attempts to curry favor with the divine. Key Takeaways The language of bribery and ransom intersects with concepts of atonement in Jewish texts Deuteronomy emphasizes internal purification over ritualistic practices Rituals like Kaparot and...
info_outline
Secularization and Sacralization in Deuteronomy
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The Radical Contraction and expansion of Ancient Israelite Religion The book of Deuteronomy presents a radical shift in religious practice that continues to shape modern Judaism and beyond. Far from expanding religious institutions as empires typically do, Deuteronomy takes the surprising approach of contracting and centralizing worship while simultaneously broadening its reach into everyday life. This week's Torah portion, Re'eh, highlights this revolutionary approach. It restricts temple worship to a single location and forbids importing practices from other cultures. At first glance, this...
info_outline
How Sound Shapes Jewish Identity
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The Dangers of a world seen on a screen: What Judaism Knew All Along In our visually-dominated world, we're raising a generation that can see but not hear. This week's Madlik episode challenges us to reconsider the primacy of listening in Jewish tradition and its profound impact on our spiritual and emotional lives. Key Takeaways Deuteronomy emphasizes listening 92 times, highlighting Judaism's unique focus on auditory over visual experiences. Memory and Music: We explore how sound and music are deeply connected to memory and emotion, even in cases of dementia. High Fidelity Judaism: From the...
info_outline
Beyond Faith: The Unexpected Joy of Torah Study
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The Torah's allure is so powerful, rabbis had to warn against misusing it. Exploring the concept of "limud" (learning) unique to Deuteronomy, we uncover the rabbis' complex relationship with Torah study. From the joy of learning to the fear of misuse, the discussion spans intentionality, secular study, and the power of Torah to attract even non-believers. We delve into the debate between studying "lishma" (for its own sake) vs. applied learning, and examine how different Jewish movements approach Torah study. The rabbis recognized the profound allure of Torah study, to the point where they had...
info_outline
Moses last word: Judicial Independence
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
Ancient Jewish texts offer surprising insights into contemporary debates on judicial activism, restraint and independence Join us as we delve into a fascinating exploration of Moses' farewell address in Parashat Devarim. This episode uncovers striking parallels between ancient concerns about judicial integrity and modern debates over judicial reform in Israel. Key Takeaways Moses' emphasis on judicial reform highlights its critical importance to societal stability The tradition of leadership farewell addresses often includes moral warnings for the future Ancient Jewish texts offer surprising...
info_outline
What the Haredi Draft Crisis Says About Israel
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
70,000 mothers are fighting for Israel's future - one draft notice at a time. Mothers on the Front Line founder Agamit Gelb joins us to discuss the contentious issue of Haredi military service in Israel. We explore biblical parallels from Numbers, where Moses confronts tribes seeking exemption from conquest. The conversation delves into the social contract, national solidarity, and the unique perspective mothers bring to this debate. Agamit shares her organization's efforts to promote equality in service and challenge exemptions through legal and grassroots means. Agamit Gelb and her...
info_outline
Serach - The Keeper of Israel’s Collective Memory
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The only Israelite to go down to Egypt and enter the Promised Land was a woman. In the years after the Civil War, heritage groups began honoring a rare category of Americans: Real Sons and Real Daughters — children born to aging veterans of that war. Not grandchildren. Not great-grandchildren. Their actual children. Living, breathing links to a fading past. Today, the same honor is given to the children of Holocaust survivors. These are voices that don’t just remember history — they carry it. In the Torah, there is one figure who embodies this idea more than any other. Her name is Serach...
info_outline
Understanding Anti-Semitism Through History
Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
What happens when the sacred victim becomes the sovereign nation? We delve into a provocative exploration of Jewish identity and otherness in this week's episode. Drawing inspiration from the Torah portion Balak and a thought-provoking essay by Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, we challenge long-held beliefs about Judaism's role as the quintessential "other" in society. Have we been misinterpreting our own history? Key Takeaways The concept of Jews as universal "others" may be more modern than we realize Embracing particularism might be more authentic to Jewish tradition than universal symbolism...
info_outlineThe Art of Stealing: Unraveling the Complexities of the Eighth Commandment
"Thou shalt not steal" seems straightforward, but is it? This week's episode of Madlik delves into the intricate world of Jewish law and ethics surrounding theft, revealing surprising insights that challenge our assumptions about this fundamental commandment.
Background and Context
The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics, but their interpretation is far from simple. In this episode, we explore the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal," uncovering layers of meaning that go far beyond the obvious prohibition of theft.
Rabbi Adam Mintz and Geoffrey Stern guide us through a fascinating journey, examining rabbinic interpretations that span millennia. From the Talmud to Maimonides, we discover how Jewish scholars have grappled with the concept of stealing, expanding it to encompass a wide range of ethical considerations.
Key Insights and Takeaways
1. Kidnapping vs. Theft
Contrary to popular belief, the rabbis interpreted "Thou shalt not steal" in the Ten Commandments as referring specifically to kidnapping, not theft of property. This interpretation stems from the context of the other commandments, which deal with capital offenses.
> "Scripture here is speaking about a case of one who steals human beings, whilst the command in Leviticus, 'you shall not steal,' speaks about a case of one who steals money from another person's property." - Rashi
This distinction highlights the gravity with which Jewish law views the theft of a person's freedom, placing it on par with murder and adultery.
2. The Spectrum of Stealing
While the Ten Commandments may focus on kidnapping, Jewish law expands the concept of stealing to cover a wide range of actions:
- Theft of property
- Deception (geneivat da'at)
- Stealing sleep (gezel sheina)
- Unfair business practices
- Plagiarism
This broad interpretation encourages us to consider how our actions might "steal" from others in less obvious ways.
3. The Psychology of Stealing
Maimonides warns against stealing even in jest or with the intention to return the item:
> "It is forbidden to steal as a jest, to steal with the intent to return, or to steal with the intent to pay, lest one habituate oneself to such conduct."
This perspective emphasizes the importance of cultivating ethical habits and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety.
4. The Social Impact of Theft
Nachmanides (Ramban) connects the prohibition against stealing to the broader social fabric:
"If you do any one of the Thou Shalt nots in the second tablet, you are breaking the social network that is formed by saying God created everyone in His image, and your parents are partners in that."
This interpretation encourages us to view ethical behavior not just as individual actions, but as part of maintaining a harmonious society.
Challenges and Practical Advice
1. Redefining Theft in the Modern World
As our world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, we face new challenges in defining and preventing theft. Consider:
- Intellectual property rights
- Data privacy
- Time theft in the workplace
Action Step: Reflect on your digital interactions. Are there ways you might be "stealing" that you haven't considered before?
2. Cultivating Ethical Habits
Maimonides' warning about habituating oneself to stealing applies to many areas of life. How can we build positive ethical habits?
- Practice mindfulness in your interactions with others
- Regularly reflect on your actions and their potential impact
- Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors on your ethical conduct
3. Balancing Intent and Impact
The rabbinic discussions highlight the complexity of ethical decision-making. Sometimes, good intentions can lead to harmful outcomes.
Challenge: Think of a situation where you tried to help someone but may have inadvertently caused harm or discomfort. How could you approach similar situations differently in the future?
What We Learned About Stealing
Our exploration of "Thou shalt not steal" reveals that this commandment is far more nuanced and far-reaching than we might have assumed. It challenges us to:
1. Consider the broader implications of our actions
2. Cultivate ethical habits in all areas of life
3. Recognize the interconnectedness of individual ethics and social harmony
By delving into these ancient texts and interpretations, we gain valuable insights that can guide our ethical decision-making in the modern world. The Jewish tradition's expansive view of stealing encourages us to be more mindful of how our actions impact others and to strive for a higher standard of ethical behavior.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's carry these insights with us, always striving to uphold the spirit of "Thou shalt not steal" in its fullest sense.
Ready to dive deeper into this fascinating topic? Listen to the full episode of Madlik for more insights and join the conversation about ethics, law, and the timeless wisdom of the Jewish tradition.
Please also find Sefaria Source Sheet link here: https://www.sefaria.org/