Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Madlik – Disruptive Torah thoughts from a post-orthodox Jew with a life-long love and appreciation of Jewish texts and a fresh and sometimes heterodox perspective on their meaning, intent and practical (halachic) implications.

unto the third generation - grandparenting 01/09/2025

unto the third generation - grandparenting This week on Madlik, we're diving into a fascinating topic that's close to my heart - grandparenting in Jewish tradition. Our discussion centers around the iconic blessing Jacob gives to his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh in Parashat Vayechi. I'm excited to share some insights I've never noticed before about this pivotal moment. We'll explore how Jacob essentially adopts his grandsons, saying "they shall be mine," and what this reveals about intergenerational relationships in our tradition. We'll also look at how this blessing became so central in Jewish practice, being recited every Friday night to bless our children. I was struck by how much depth there is to unpack here about the unique role grandparents can play. As always, Rabbi Adam Mintz joins me for this illuminating conversation. And in a bit of perfect timing, he had some exciting personal news to share related to our topic! I hope you'll tune in for this meaningful discussion on the power of grandparenting to shape Jewish identity and values across generations. The insights we uncovered really made me see this familiar blessing in a new light. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode webpage: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34783540

Making Lemonade from Lemons 01/03/2025

Making Lemonade from Lemons This week on Madlik, we’re exploring how Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers offers profound insights for our own lives. At a time when many of us make resolutions and fresh starts, this episode couldn’t be more timely. We’ll examine how Joseph and his brothers navigate the complex dynamics of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and moving from a paradigm of grievance and victimhood to challenge and opportunity… Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz discuss the psychological aspects of sin and redemption, drawing parallels to our own experiences with failure and the challenge of moving forward. We’ll also touch on the fascinating concept of “making lemonade from lemons” and its American/Jewish roots and the contribution of Julius Rosenwald and the Tuskegee Institute. Whether you’re grappling with personal setbacks or seeking inspiration for the year ahead, this episode offers valuable insights on turning adversity into opportunity and embracing a narrative of ambition and success. Join us for another thought-provoking discussion that bridges ancient wisdom with modern life. Remember, whatever your resolutions may be, stumbling once or twice doesn’t define you – it’s how you harness those moments that truly matters. Shabbat Shalom and Happy New Year Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: View episode on Youtube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34706075

IMAGINE and the jews 12/27/2024

IMAGINE and the jews This Shabbat Hanukah Madlik episode explores the intriguing parallels between John Lennon's iconic song "Imagine" and traditional Jewish concepts. Delving into the Shabbat zemirot "Ma Yedidut," Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz uncover surprising connections between Lennon's utopian vision and Judaism's aspirational views of Shabbat and the World to Come. The discussion challenges the notion that Judaism is solely particularistic, revealing its universal and redemptive aspects while also recognizing the conecpt of preferential love. How does the Jewish tradition balance particularism with universalism? Discover the unexpected interplay between modern secular ideals and ancient Jewish wisdom. Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/613636 Transcript on episode web page: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34628440

Joseph Slave Trade 12/19/2024

Joseph Slave Trade This week on Madlik, we’re diving into Parashat Vayeshev and exploring the Joseph story through a unique lens. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we unpack this pivotal narrative that bridges Genesis and Exodus. We’ll be taking a hard look at the uncomfortable truth at the heart of this parasha: human trafficking. It’s not just about Joseph in Egypt – we’re talking about the profound implications of ethnic groups selling their own people into slavery. We’ll also examine how this story fits into the broader context of biblical literature. Is it a court legend? Wisdom literature? Or something entirely different? Plus, we’ll discuss how the sale of Joseph has echoed through Jewish tradition, from Yom Kippur liturgy to modern-day rituals. It’s an approach that might break the oppressor/oppressed lense used by so many today. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: Watch it on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34529280

What Israel Means 12/13/2024

What Israel Means From the first chapters of Genesis, when Adam named the animals, naming in the Biblical narrative is a powerful tool which defines destiny. This process reaches a climax with the re-naming of Jacob and the birth of Israel. Although "Israel" is normally translated as "struggling with God" we explore other meanings that align more powerfully with the metamorphosis that Yaakov experiences. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the nuances of this name Israel, that until today defines and inspires the Jewish People and their land. Sefaria source Sheet: Transcript: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34427780

Scaling the Temple Mount 12/06/2024

Scaling the Temple Mount Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz for another week of Madlik Disruptive Torah. We explore the biblical narratives surrounding Jacob and Abraham, the sanctity of places in the Ancient Near East and Jewish tradition, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions about Jerusalem. The conversation highlights the deep connections between history, identity, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of understanding the layers of meaning associated with sacred sites. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: Watch on Youtube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34311290

The Philistinians and the Israelites 11/28/2024

The Philistinians and the Israelites Are we defined by our names or by the stories we tell? We explore Parashat Toldot, diving into the intricate relationships between the Philistines and ancient Israelites "up until today." Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in a conversation that highlights the melting pot of cultures in ancient Israel. We reveal that the Philistines, like the Hittites and Hebrews, were newcomers to the land and for the most part contributed culturally and integrated well. When friction arose, they willingly separated and made agreements that showcased mutual recognition and trust. In a week that the 2024 cease fire between Israel and Lebanon is consummated and we in the US celebrate Thanksgiving we wonder what lessens from the past we can take to guide us in these challenging times. Check out the Sefaria Source sheet here: Transcript on episode web page: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34194430

The Day After 11/21/2024

The Day After Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz discussing the weekly Torah portion. What happens when ancient narratives of trauma echo through generations? This episode of "Madlik Disruptive Torah" delves into the parsha Chayei Sara, exploring the post-traumatic impact of the attempted sacrifice of Isaac. Through the lens of Jewish, Islamic and contemporary literature, we examine the emotional and familial fallout experienced by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael. They pose intriguing questions: Did Abraham and Sarah live apart after the Akedah? Where did Isaac go after the attempted sacrifice by his father and how did he relate to his half-brother Ishmael and step-mother Hagar? How did Isaac's near-sacrifice shape his life? The discussion weaves historical context with contemporary reflections, drawing parallels to modern-day conflicts and shared traumas. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: View on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/34098471

God Forbid! 11/15/2024

God Forbid! Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the intriguing theological debate where Abraham challenges God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unlike typical moral or ethical arguments, Abraham's stance is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's nature. He questions whether it would be Godlike to act in a manner that contradicts his perception of the divine. Profaning God's name is a major them in the Torah but in this first instance, it is God Himself who is accused of the crime. Come and learn! Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: Youtube video: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33940402

Radical Disruption and the Birth of Faith 11/08/2024

Radical Disruption and the Birth of Faith Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in [location] on [date]. What does it mean to leave everything behind and embark on a journey of faith? This episode of "Madlik" delves into the Torah portion Lech Lecha, exploring Abraham's radical departure from his homeland and the birth of monotheism. - Discover how Abraham's journey is not just a physical one but a profound internal quest for meaning and connection. - Examine the midrashic interpretations that paint Abraham as a rebel, challenging the status quo and seeking a universal God. - Consider the contemporary relevance of Abraham's story in a world where chaos and division often prevail. Explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Abraham's journey... and ponder what it means for us today. For more insights, see the Sefaria Source Sheet (link below) and access the episode transcript. Recorded live on Clubhouse, this discussion invites you to reflect on the enduring question: What do we find when we truly leave everything behind? Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: Video on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33842252

Words Without Borders 11/01/2024

Words Without Borders Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in conversation regarding the weekly Torah portion. What happens when language becomes both a bridge and a barrier? In this episode of the "Madlik Disruptive Torah Podcast," the duo delves into Parashat Noah, exploring the Tower of Babel's tale and its implications on linguistic diversity. They unravel how the division of languages shaped rabbinic texts and Jewish tradition, posing questions about unity and communication. Discover how ancient narratives explain modern phenomena, and consider the power of translation in preserving and transforming sacred texts. Is the multiplicity of languages a divine gift or a source of chaos? Explore the Sefaria source sheet Transcript on episode web page: Episode on YouTube: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33717222

Splitting the Adam 10/24/2024

Splitting the Adam Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as they explore the creation myth. There are those who would have us believe that in Creation, God made unity from chaos and that the Torah’s end game is to find that unity, tikkun and nirvana once again. We explore an alternative, counterfactual approach, where God created through division and with a goal of creating a world where divisions are emphasized, managed but definitely not erased. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33598022

The Sukkah Will Rise Again 10/16/2024

The Sukkah Will Rise Again At sunset the holiday of Sukkot begins and we leave the security of our homes and dwell in the temporary booths of farmers. In previous episodes we have focused on what makes this falling dwelling so permanent and eternal, but this year, in the shadow of Oct 7th we focus on the darker side of these exposed dwellings. We also explore the potential of the sukkah and the Jewish People to rise from the ashes like the Phoenix. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcripton episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33479077

The Yom Kippur Sermon I wanted to Hear - Last Year 10/09/2024

The Yom Kippur Sermon I wanted to Hear - Last Year While I considered writing a sermon for this Yom Kippur I listened to the Madlik Sermon given a week before October 7th 2023. So much of what concerned me, even terrified me, came to fruition that I decided to re-broadcast. Maybe next week as we approach the anniversay of last year's dreadful Simchat Torah we can discuss further the concept of סֻכַּת הַנּוֹפֶלֶת; "the falling Sukkah" but for now, let's try to learn the lesson of Yom Kippur 1973 and 2023. Hatima Tova for all of us. Sefaria Source Sheet: Episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33391782

What's New with the Jewish New Year (rePlay) 10/02/2024

What's New with the Jewish New Year (rePlay) Join Geoffrey Stern recorded live at the Conservative Synagogue of Westport, Connecticut with guest appearences of Madlik Faithful Henry Feuerstein, Martin Rosenfeld z'l, Martha Rosenfeld, Judy Shapiro and others. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33300107

God in Exile 09/27/2024

God in Exile Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience. God, so to speak, “joining the Jewish People in Exile”, is a radical Rabbinic concept that in the words of Rabbi Akiva would have been blasphemous had it not been supported by Scripture. We explore the source of “God in Exile” (Shechinta B’Galuta - שְׁכִינְתָּא בְּגָלוּתָא) in Rabbinic texts and ponder its ramifications for modern-day Jewish Thought. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33228027

Jew as Metaphor 09/20/2024

Jew as Metaphor Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. Moses warns the Israelites that if they do not live up to God’s expectations, they will be vilified as a caricature of evil. The world will use the Jew to personify failure and depravity. We discuss the use of the Jew as metaphor in our texts and literature. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33131747

Lost & Found 09/13/2024

Lost & Found Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse in front of a live audience. The Torah teaches that one must return a lost object to its rightful owner. The great sages Abaye and Rava use this as an opportunity to argue over the dynamics of loss and despair! We swim into this iconic Talmudic text to find what we have lost… Sefaria Source Sheet: Link to The Eli Fishman Podcast: . Transcript on Episode Web Page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/33031822

May God Avenge his Blood 09/06/2024

May God Avenge his Blood Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse. הי״ד the Hebrew acronym הַשֵּׁם יִקּוֹם דָּמוֹ “May Hashem avenge his blood” has been carved after the names of too many victims of bloodshed in the past few months, and especially in the last few days. This week's parsha addresses tribalism, revenge killings and blood feuds which in the Ancient Near East, especially in the Sinai Peninsula, have a too rich history. Today we review the Biblical texts in light of pre-Islamic customs preserved by the Bedouin and we wonder …. when will it ever end. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32939062

A Time that Never Was (re-cast) 08/30/2024

A Time that Never Was (re-cast) Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse on August 25th 2022. The Torah prohibits us from adding or detracting to its directives and also against rewriting history. It even predicts that there might be a time where our leaders will try to reinvent our past. We discuss. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32814817

The whole mitzvah 08/23/2024

The whole mitzvah Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The Book of Deuteronomy presents the Torah’s various rules and regulations as a corpus. It uses a unique expression; כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֗ה variously translated as “All the commandment” or “instruction”, the “entire mitzvah”. It is mitzvah in the singular … not in the plural as we would expect. So, we explore how the concept of a corpus of 613 commandments as well as the value of a single mitzvah developed in Rabbinic thought and Jewish practice. Sefaria Source Sheet: Trancript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32707402

What they say about us actually matters... 08/16/2024

What they say about us actually matters... Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The Torah proclaims that its laws are our wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations. The nations of the world will say of the Israelites that this is a wise and understanding people. We explore the traditional commentaries and then we discover Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Glasner; born at the end of the 19th century and a radical thinker and early religious Zionist. Based on this verse, he taught that if our Torah does not match the most enlightened moral, ethical, cultural and aesthetic standards of the day…. It…. And we... need to evolve. So, join us for “What they say about us actually matters...” Sefaria source sheet: Transcript on episode webpage: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32601732

just war 08/09/2024

just war Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The book of Deuteronomy known as the Second Torah, is not only spoken in the first-person voice of Moses but is also a reworking and reinterpretation of earlier events. This is nowhere more apparent then in the retelling of the story of the spies where, in our disruptive reading, the spies and their generation are not blamed for being too meek, but rather…. for being too militaristic. Sefaria source sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32508457

Culture Wars 08/02/2024

Culture Wars Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz reorded in front of a live audience om clubhose. Moses accuses the tribes of Reuben and Gad of perpetuating the defeatist attitude of the generation of the Exodus. The word Moses uses; Tarbut, has come to mean culture and we explore how culture, in contradistinction to Torah, has evolved and continues to impact Jewish thought until today. Seafaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode: website: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32394647

Vigilant about Vigilantism 07/26/2024

Vigilant about Vigilantism Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The three week mourning period commemorating the fall of the first and second Jewish commonwealth reminds us of the divisive nature of zealotry. And it is zealotry that lies behind the story of Pinchas taking the law into his own impulsive hands. The Pinchas model was problematic to the Rabbis and has been used by zealots until today to justify vigilantism and extrajudicial activities. We discuss. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page. /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32299997

How good was that! 07/19/2024

How good was that! Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded live on Clubhouse. This week’s parsha includes a blessing about goodness, delivered by a prophet of the nations that is so inspiring it is used to initiate the morning prayers in Jewish houses of worship of every denomination and until today. This week another 20-something kid took a gun and killed and tried to kill. A NY Times editorialist wrote that: “Though details remain sparse, this appears to be a story less about fanatical partisanship than about the crisis of lonely and disconnected young men being radicalized into pure nihilism.” So we celebrate the simple good of pitching a tent and sitting with one’s fellow. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32209892

Holy Water 07/12/2024

Holy Water Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded live on Clubhouse. This week’s parsha iis as much about water as it is about Chukim or challenging rules. It starts with the death of Miriam and her well, segues into Moses fatal sin in striking the water rock and concludes with the Red Heifer and its purifying water. Today we focus on the ability of sprinkled water or emersion into water to purify in Judaism and later Christianity and up onto today. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode website: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32107082

The Spirit of all Flesh 07/05/2024

The Spirit of all Flesh Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz, recorded on Clubhouse. Moses uses a title for God he uses in only one other place and which is not used again in all of Tanach: "God of the spirits of all flesh". This name for God strikes us as very universalist, even humanistic and we explore. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/32019842

Wanderlust 06/27/2024

Wanderlust Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse. The so-called Biblical Spies are actually not characterized as undercover agents but rather as tourists or in Hebrew; Turim. Broadcasting live from Venice, Italy, we take this opportunity to explore the significant impact that journey has played in defining the Jew. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/31920587

Retirement, Ageism and Age Limits 06/21/2024

Retirement, Ageism and Age Limits Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse. We’ve encountered age limits in the Torah with regard to reaching the age of majority, military age and the age required to serve as a priest, but there is a singular verse which provides a mandatory retirement age and this is the subject of our discussion. Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript on episode web page: /episode/index/show/madlik/id/31832852

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

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