loader from loading.io

Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom of Purim: A Feast of Fools for Modern Times

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Release Date: 03/13/2025

Matzah's Hidden Meaning show art Matzah's Hidden Meaning

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Forget Exodus - the key to understanding matzah lies in Leviticus. As we approach Passover, it's time to challenge our assumptions about one of the holiday's most iconic symbols: matzah. What if I told you that the true significance of this unleavened bread goes far beyond the rushed exodus from Egypt? In this episode of Madlik, we explore a revolutionary interpretation of matzah that will transform your Seder experience. Key Takeaways Matzah as a Poor Man's Offering - the purity of intent from those with little to give. The act of breaking matzah is a universal gesture of creating reciprocal...

info_outline
How the Israelites Gave Us Self Care & Daily Rituals show art How the Israelites Gave Us Self Care & Daily Rituals

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Skincare isn’t just self-care—it’s a divine commandment. Join us as we uncover the surprising connections between everyday skincare routines and sacred rituals, and how this ancient practice can transform and inspire us. In this week's episode of Madlik, we explore a fascinating aspect of ancient Israelite culture that's often overlooked: the significance of anointing oil. Far from being a mere cosmetic practice, anointing held deep spiritual and social importance in biblical times.   Key Takeaways Anointing with oil wasn’t just a ritual—it was a powerful status symbol that...

info_outline
Electric Sabbath show art Electric Sabbath

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Think Shabbat is all about turning things off? Think again. This week's Torah portion, Vayakhel, offers a unique perspective on Shabbat observance. While the prohibition of lighting fires is explicitly mentioned, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Let's explore how Shabbat has evolved over time and continues to change in our modern world of LED lights and electric vehicles. Key Takeaways We're empowered to ask questions and engage deeply with how we observe Shabbat. There's no single "correct" way to observe – different communities and individuals may have valid approaches. The...

info_outline
Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom of Purim: A Feast of Fools for Modern Times show art Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom of Purim: A Feast of Fools for Modern Times

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Dressing up as the opposite gender on Purim: a tradition or a taboo? As we approach the joyous holiday of Purim, it's time to look beyond the costumes and revelry to uncover the profound lessons this ancient celebration holds for our modern world. In this eye-opening episode of Madlik, we explore the surprising connections between Purim and other global festivals of excess, revealing how these celebrations can transform our perspective on joy, tragedy, and the human experience. Key Takeaways 1. Purim is not just a Jewish holiday; it shares themes of excess and celebration with global festivals...

info_outline
The High Priest's Breastplate: A Symbol of Unity and Representation show art The High Priest's Breastplate: A Symbol of Unity and Representation

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

What if the biblical tribes of Israel were more radical than we ever imagined? At the heart of our discussion is the high priest's breastplate, described in Exodus 28. This ornate piece of priestly attire wasn't just a decorative element—it was a powerful symbol of the entire Israelite nation. The breastplate featured 12 precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This was a profound representation of a radical social structure God was establishing for His people. "The stone shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel, 12 corresponding to...

info_outline
Torah On the Move show art Torah On the Move

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Ever wondered why we stand when the Torah is taken out? Our latest Madlik episode uncovers the surprising history behind this universal Jewish tradition. Join Rabbi Adam Mintz and Geoffrey Stern as they explore the concept of "Torah on the Move" in this week's parsha, Terumah. We unpack the symbolism behind the Ark of the Covenant and its enduring impact on Jewish tradition.   Some highlights: • The origins of Jews being called "People of the Book" • Surprising details about the Mishkan's construction and materials • How the Ark's design emphasized mobility and permanence • What...

info_outline
Torah – Not a Code of Law show art Torah – Not a Code of Law

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

In this week’s episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, we explore how the Torah's legal sections, particularly in Parashat Mishpatim, interact with and transform the legal traditions of the ancient Near East rather than create an original Code of Law. We take this fascinating journey through the lens of Umberto Cassuto, a brilliant biblical scholar whose work has been largely overlooked in modern biblical scholarship.   Background and Context   The Torah is often viewed as an all-encompassing legal code, dictating every aspect of Jewish life. However, Umberto Cassuto, writing in the...

info_outline
The Art of the Steal show art The Art of the Steal

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

The 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...

info_outline
Root Experiences... Beyond Philosophy show art Root Experiences... Beyond Philosophy

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

The Maidservant's Vision: Redefining Jewish Experience and Philosophy Our latest Madlik Disruptive Torah episode challenges conventional wisdom about Jewish history and philosophy. Exploring the concept of "root experiences," we delve into how a simple maidservant's vision at the Red Sea can reshape our understanding of Jewish thought and practice. Background and Context The episode centers on Parashat B'shalach, specifically the Song of the Sea in Exodus 15:1. This iconic moment in Jewish history is recited daily in morning prayers, underscoring its significance. Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam...

info_outline
Solaluna show art Solaluna

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

This week on Madlik, we're diving into a fascinating exploration of the Jewish calendar - a topic that's not just about marking time, but about renewal, liberation, and the very essence of what it means to be Jewish. In our discussion of Parashat Bo, Rabbi Mintz and I unpack the significance of the first commandment given to the Israelites as a nation: establishing their own calendar. We examine how this seemingly simple act was actually a radical departure from other ancient calendars, and how it embodied core Jewish values of human agency and imperfection. Some highlights from our...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Dressing up as the opposite gender on Purim: a tradition or a taboo?

As we approach the joyous holiday of Purim, it's time to look beyond the costumes and revelry to uncover the profound lessons this ancient celebration holds for our modern world. In this eye-opening episode of Madlik, we explore the surprising connections between Purim and other global festivals of excess, revealing how these celebrations can transform our perspective on joy, tragedy, and the human experience.

Key Takeaways

1. Purim is not just a Jewish holiday; it shares themes of excess and celebration with global festivals like Mardi Gras and Holi, highlighting a universal human desire to break free from winter's constraints.

2. The tradition of cross-dressing and excessive celebration on Purim challenges societal norms, offering a unique perspective on joy and irreverence in religious practice.

3. Harvey Cox's insights in "Feast of Fools" suggest that embracing festivity and fantasy can provide a necessary balance to the seriousness of life, reminding us of the importance of play and imagination.

Timestamps

  • [0:00] Intro: Purim and Feast of Fools
  • [5:23] Purim's unique place in Jewish canon
  • [11:03] Cross-dressing and rule-breaking on Purim
  • [16:07] Harvey Cox's insights on festivity
  • [21:15] Three essential ingredients of festivals
  • [26:47] Celebration as balance to tragedy
  • [30:49] Restoring balance through joyful celebration

Links & Learnings