What Does Judaism Say About...?

What does Judaism Say About...? is a podcast where we explore different values, ethical issues, or dilemmas relevant to the 21st century, and examine the normative Jewish viewpoint on each issue. Every week, a fascinating value and topic will be analyzed from the traditional Jewish perspective.

The Jewish View of Child Abuse 11/24/2025

The Jewish View of Child Abuse Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child’s accusation enough to destroy an adult’s life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/39153905

(101) The Jewish View of Child Abuse 11/24/2025

(101) The Jewish View of Child Abuse Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child’s accusation enough to destroy an adult’s life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/39153885

The Normative Jewish View of The Golem 11/17/2025

The Normative Jewish View of The Golem In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/35851250

(100) The Normative Jewish View of The Golem 11/17/2025

(100) The Normative Jewish View of The Golem In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/35851245

Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance 11/10/2025

Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner’s prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and why only recited in a community setting. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38904710

(99) Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance 11/10/2025

(99) Jewish Concepts of Kaddish and Its Importance The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner’s prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and why only recited in a community setting. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38904705

Jealousy 11/03/2025

Jealousy The podcast will specifically define jealousy and coveting in Judaism, why it is forbidden, how to prevent it, and why it is considered the “worst sin in the Torah”. It will also show how and why God could be jealous and how there is both bad and good jealousy within traditional Judaism. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38877135

(98) Jealousy 11/03/2025

(98) Jealousy The podcast will specifically define jealousy and coveting in Judaism, why it is forbidden, how to prevent it, and why it is considered the “worst sin in the Torah”. It will also show how and why God could be jealous and how there is both bad and good jealousy within traditional Judaism. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38877130

Dwarf Tossing and Renouncing One's Dignity 10/27/2025

Dwarf Tossing and Renouncing One's Dignity A very popular but controversial game in bars in the 1990s was “dwarf-tossing, i.e., who could through padded little people the farthest. If the little person agrees and is paid, is there anything morally wrong with this practice. This podcast will examine the implications from Jewish sources and the implications for human dignity for every human being. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38779215

(97) Dwarf Tossing and Renouncing One's Dignity 10/27/2025

(97) Dwarf Tossing and Renouncing One's Dignity A very popular but controversial game in bars in the 1990s was “dwarf-tossing, i.e., who could through padded little people the farthest. If the little person agrees and is paid, is there anything morally wrong with this practice. This podcast will examine the implications from Jewish sources and the implications for human dignity for every human being. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38779210

(96) Lottery: Using it to Win and to Determine Fate 10/20/2025

(96) Lottery: Using it to Win and to Determine Fate This podcast will examine the precedents of lotteries in scripture, when lotteries are permitted and forbidden traditional Judaism and why, and whether this activity denies God’s involvement in activities in the world or not. It also will examine gambling in Judaism such as sports betting today. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38636645

Lottery: Using it to Win and to Determine Fate 10/19/2025

Lottery: Using it to Win and to Determine Fate This podcast will examine the precedents of lotteries in scripture, when lotteries are permitted and forbidden traditional Judaism and why, and whether this activity denies God’s involvement in activities in the world or not. It also will examine gambling in Judaism such as sports betting today. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38636625

Going Beyond What is Required in Judaism – Requirement or a Good Idea? 10/15/2025

Going Beyond What is Required in Judaism – Requirement or a Good Idea? If going beyond the law is a requirement of Jewish law itself, then it is no longer “beyond” the law, but, rather, part of the law. This podcast will examine where in Judaism a Jew is required to go beyond the basic law requirement, and why and how it can, nevertheless, remain beyond the law. Numerous practical actions and examples will be discussed. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38451915

(95) Going Beyond What is Required in Judaism – Requirement or a Good Idea? 10/15/2025

(95) Going Beyond What is Required in Judaism – Requirement or a Good Idea? If going beyond the law is a requirement of Jewish law itself, then it is no longer “beyond” the law, but, rather, part of the law. This podcast will examine where in Judaism a Jew is required to go beyond the basic law requirement, and why and how it can, nevertheless, remain beyond the law. Numerous practical actions and examples will be discussed. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38451910

Underlying Values and Concepts of Sukkot 09/30/2025

Underlying Values and Concepts of Sukkot The many laws and customs of Sukkot will be discussed in this podcast, demonstrating their underlying values and ideas. Among the key ideas of Sukkot are unity of the Jewish people, true belief in God and non-Jews as part of the Jewish religion. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38413355

(94) Underlying Values and Concepts of Sukkot 09/29/2025

(94) Underlying Values and Concepts of Sukkot The many laws and customs of Sukkot will be discussed in this podcast, demonstrating their underlying values and ideas. Among the key ideas of Sukkot are unity of the Jewish people, true belief in God and non-Jews as part of the Jewish religion. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38366530

Underlying Values and Concepts of Yom Kippur ‎ 09/25/2025

Underlying Values and Concepts of Yom Kippur ‎ The holiest day of the Jewish year is discussed through its special customs, laws and prayers. The core values of Judaism will be highlighted as well as a discussion how repentance works, and can “erase” a sin from the world as if it never happened. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38356720

(93) Underlying Values and Concepts of Yom Kippur ‎ 09/25/2025

(93) Underlying Values and Concepts of Yom Kippur ‎ The holiest day of the Jewish year is discussed through its special customs, laws and prayers. The core values of Judaism will be highlighted as well as a discussion how repentance works, and can “erase” a sin from the world as if it never happened. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38356670

Underlying Values and Concepts of Rosh Hashana 09/15/2025

Underlying Values and Concepts of Rosh Hashana The first day of the Jewish year, the birthday of the world, is a day of judgment for all people, not only Jews, This podcast will discuss how and why this judgment by God takes place, and the underling message and values of the Shofar, as it differs from any other Torah commandment in serval ways. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38219420

(92) Underlying Values and Concepts of Rosh Hashana 09/15/2025

(92) Underlying Values and Concepts of Rosh Hashana The first day of the Jewish year, the birthday of the world, is a day of judgment for all people, not only Jews, This podcast will discuss how and why this judgment by God takes place, and the underling message and values of the Shofar, as it differs from any other Torah commandment in serval ways. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38219465

Siruv Pikuda - Following an Immoral or Non-‎Jewish order in the Army or not? 09/09/2025

Siruv Pikuda - Following an Immoral or Non-‎Jewish order in the Army or not? Part of being a good soldier is training go listen to the commander’s order without questioning its reasons or morality. Otherwise, an army cannot function. However, when an immoral order is given, a Jewish soldier is indeed supposed to object, even in the heat of war. Thus podcast will try to balance these conflicting obligations, and also examine how immoral an action must be in order to refuse it, often resulting that the soldier put in military jail. The Bible’s examples of war and subsequent sources tell us much about the subtleties of this difficult subject. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38083105

(91) Siruv Pikuda - Following an Immoral or Non-‎Jewish order in the Army or not? 09/09/2025

(91) Siruv Pikuda - Following an Immoral or Non-‎Jewish order in the Army or not? Part of being a good soldier is training go listen to the commander’s order without questioning its reasons or morality. Otherwise, an army cannot function. However, when an immoral order is given, a Jewish soldier is indeed supposed to object, even in the heat of war. Thus podcast will try to balance these conflicting obligations, and also examine how immoral an action must be in order to refuse it, often resulting that the soldier put in military jail. The Bible’s examples of war and subsequent sources tell us much about the subtleties of this difficult subject. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/38083100

(90) The Impact of a Teacher in Judaism 09/02/2025

(90) The Impact of a Teacher in Judaism This podcast will docus on the importance of teachers in the Jewish community and why. It will examine the tole and obligation of parents as teachers, and what are some unique techniques that have made education so successful in Judaism throughout the ages. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37997770

The Impact of a Teacher in Judaism 08/28/2025

The Impact of a Teacher in Judaism This podcast will docus on the importance of teachers in the Jewish community and why. It will examine the tole and obligation of parents as teachers, and what are some unique techniques that have made education so successful in Judaism throughout the ages. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37997775

Music in Judaism 08/25/2025

Music in Judaism Music is such an integral part of traditional Judaism, that there are specific melodies must are used in all aspects of Jewish ritual. This includes Jewish prayer, where each prayer has its own unique melody, the specific tunes in which he Torah musty be read and even how Torah is studied. This podcast will examine the how and why of Jewish music, and how it is as is so fundamental to Jewish life today as it was during Temple times. ‎ /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/35851190

(89) Music in Judaism 08/25/2025

(89) Music in Judaism Music is such an integral part of traditional Judaism, that there are specific melodies must are used in all aspects of Jewish ritual. This includes Jewish prayer, where each prayer has its own unique melody, the specific tunes in which he Torah musty be read and even how Torah is studied. This podcast will examine the how and why of Jewish music, and how it is as is so fundamental to Jewish life today as it was during Temple times. ‎ /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/35851205

Making Someone Feel Bad – Onaat Devarim 08/18/2025

Making Someone Feel Bad – Onaat Devarim The Torah specially prohibits a Jew from using words to make a person feel bad. The psychological pain caused is viewed very harshly in Judaism, including even the mild “sin” of window shopping (asking a store rep for information with no intention to buy). This podcast will discuss the details of this sin and why it is view so severely in Judaism. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37793725

(88) Making Someone Feel Bad – Onaat Devarim 08/18/2025

(88) Making Someone Feel Bad – Onaat Devarim The Torah specially prohibits a Jew from using words to make a person feel bad. The psychological pain caused is viewed very harshly in Judaism, including even the mild “sin” of window shopping (asking a store rep for information with no intention to buy). This podcast will discuss the details of this sin and why it is view so severely in Judaism. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37793680

Judaism and Sports 08/11/2025

Judaism and Sports Unlike the common held, myth, Jews were active in sports (and also excelled), from Biblical to Talmudic times, in the middle ages and even today. Tio podcast will show this activity and why though Jewish sources, and also examine how traditional Judaism views sports and exercise, both participation and watching of sports. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37746565

(87) Judaism and Sports 08/11/2025

(87) Judaism and Sports Unlike the common held, myth, Jews were active in sports (and also excelled), from Biblical to Talmudic times, in the middle ages and even today. Tio podcast will show this activity and why though Jewish sources, and also examine how traditional Judaism views sports and exercise, both participation and watching of sports. /episode/index/show/65d31aeb-3f56-4af0-9d0f-24c40520b851/id/37746560

What Does Judaism Say About...?

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